It was very surprising to note the manner in which Kim Jong il’s death was announced by a weeping anchorwoman on North Korean state television from the capital, Pyongyang. The TV viewers of the rest of the world had a unique glimpse of a dramatic presentation of the news by the state-controlled television of North Korea. The diminutive leader, known for his love of women, cigars, cognac and gourmet foods, reportedly suffered a stroke.

It is said that when a father dies in this country, the kin of the father run shrieking through the streets, pulling their hair, crying, weeping.

Sometimes they do this for days.

This has been exaggerated to a much higher level with apparently the whole nation doing this when the leader dies. So, it was quite an extravaganza for the people of other parts of the world, but entirely predictable for the North Koreans.

RAKESH VERMA

DOHA