North Korea shrugs off radio broadcasts; Here's why

Earlier, North Korean top leader Kim Jong Un ordered a "decisive policy change" in relations with the South Korea.

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Edited By: Satyam Singh
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North Korea has cut off its operations of a radio station, which was used to send coded messages to agents in South Korea on Saturday.  According to the Yonhap news agency, it also silenced several of its propaganda websites.

Radio Pyongyang, a notorious "numbers station" suspected of relaying coded instructions to Pyongyang's operatives south of the Demilitarized Zone, fell silent. 

Earlier, North Korean top leader Kim Jong Un ordered a "decisive policy change" in relations with the South while addressing a year-end meeting of his ruling party. He instructed the military to be ready to pacify and occupy the South in the event of a calamity.  

North Korea made an announcement of dissolving bodies dedicated to civilian engagement with the South, "to readjust all relevant organizations, including the North Side Committee for Implementing June 15 Joint Declaration, the North Headquarters of the Pan-national Alliance for Korea's Reunification".

South Korea is on high alert, according to Seoul-based news outlet NK News.

While the reasons behind this sudden withdrawal are unclear, analysts speculate it could be a calculated move to pressure South Korea for concessions, signal a shift in strategy towards increased isolation, or a prelude to further provocations. 

Several media reports claimed that the websites of Uriminzokkiri, DPRK Today, Arirang Meari, Tongil Voice, Ryomyong, and Ryugyong have been down since Thursday morning.