North Korea plans to cut off road and railway access to South Korea starting Wednesday, aiming to “completely separate” the two nations.
The Korean People’s Army (KPA) announced it would “permanently shut off and block the southern border,” as well as strengthen its military presence in the area.
This decision is framed as a “self-defensive measure” intended to deter war, citing concerns over military exercises in South Korea and the ongoing presence of American nuclear assets in the region.
The announcement represents a significant escalation in tensions on the Korean peninsula, which have reached some of the highest levels in recent years.
The KPA asserted that the “acute military situation” necessitated “more resolute and stronger measures” to protect national security, as reported by state media outlet KCNA.
However, this move is largely symbolic, as the roads and railways connecting North Korea to the South are seldom used and have been gradually dismantled over the past year.
The decision coincides with North Korea’s broader strategy to redefine its relationship with South Korea, following a series of provocative actions that have exacerbated relations, including missile tests and sending trash balloons across the border.
Earlier this year, Kim Jong Un declared that he was no longer pursuing reunification with the South, raising fears of potential conflict.
During a meeting of North Korea’s Supreme People’s Assembly (SPA) in January, he suggested revisions to the DPRK Constitution, specifically proposing the removal of terms like “northern half” and phrases referring to “independence, peaceful reunification, and great national unity.”
While many anticipated constitutional amendments regarding unification and border policies during this week’s SPA session, no such changes were announced.
An analyst from the Korea Institute for National Unification speculated that North Korea might be waiting to assess the outcome of the upcoming U.S. election before making definitive decisions on these issues.
It remains unclear if the recent decision to sever all transport links with the South was influenced by discussions held during the SPA session.
Source-BBC
