Chongryon officials issued statements denouncing the authorities' crackdown on the organizations.

Hwang Chol Hong, chief of the Korean Scientists and Technologists Association in Japan, branded the search as a politically-motivated crackdown to create atmosphere against the DPRK and Chongryon.

Ri Chong Gyong, director of the Standing Council of the Korean Amateur Athletes Federation in Japan, denounced the Japanese authorities for suppressing the organization which has been working for friendship and exchange in sports field for the sports development of fellow countrymen.

Song Kong Myong, chairman of the Itabashi Branch of Tokyo Metropolis under Chongryon, insisted that providing procedures for Koreans hoping to visit homeland is a routine work for the convenience of compatriots and it does not fall foul of the Japanese laws as it is a humanitarian work.

However, the authorities mobilized police to search the office. This is an unprecedented abuse of power, he said.

Han Jong Chi, director of the Chugai Travel Agency, slammed the search that has been carried out on account of the agency's sale of flight tickets to Koreans visiting homeland.