Unnamed sources told Radio Free Asia that the North Korean government is forcing all residents to observe an 11-day period of mourning to mark Kim Jong Il's death. Residents are normally required to mark the anniversary of his death for 10 days.
During this time, residents are only allowed to behave solemnly in public and may not shop for groceries.
"During the mourning period, we must not drink alcohol, laugh or engage in leisure activities," one source told RFA.
"In the past, many people who were caught drinking or being intoxicated during the mourning period were arrested and treated as ideological criminals. They were taken away and never seen again.
"Even if your family member dies during the mourning period, you are not allowed to cry out loud and the body must be taken out after it's over. People cannot even celebrate their own birthdays if they fall within the mourning period."