At least 1 000 riot force including navy, police and gangsters were hurled into the crackdown operation.

Many people were wounded and dozens of others walked off by police and tents were forcibly removed.

South Korean media reported that the terrible scene in Kangjong village on Jeju Island that day was reminiscent of a battle field.

This not withstanding, the military authorities are trying to justify their crime, claiming that they "respected the opinions of inhabitants" and "it was an unavoidable measure."