The south side committee had submitted an application to the puppet Ministry of Unification for contact with the north side to discuss the issue of significantly marking the 5th anniversary of the publication of the October 4 declaration this year.

The ministry, however, refused to permit it, saying that it would selectively allow only non-governmental exchange in non-political field and that the contact might assume political nature.

Infuriated by this, the organization held a working-level contact despite the authorities' suppression.

This won the praise of the fellow countrymen as it was a just deed done to realize the cherished desire of the nation.

Nevertheless, the south Korean puppet regime inflicted penalty upon them on charges of violation of the "law on south-north exchange and cooperation."

The Lee regime's act of treachery will only add to its crimes and precipitate its doomsday.