The group kidnapped 31 inhabitants of the DPRK who were put in the unfavorable situation due to the bad weather after leaving Tongpho-ri, Kangryong County, South Hwanghae Province to catch shellfish and inflicted psychological and mental sufferings on them through operation to force them to "defect" to the south, the statement charged.

The group repatriated 27 inhabitants in late March but has still detained four persons, asserting that they decided to remain in the south, it pointed out.

Condemning the group for its violation of human rights, the statement strongly demanded that it send back as early as possible the four inhabitants of the DPRK illegally detained in south Korea.