Seoul Vows to Crush Leftist Strike Agitators

SEOUL, South Korea —  The government vowed today to crush leftists who incite strikers to political violence and said a Justice Ministry team is arresting agitators disguised as workers.

Prime Minister Kim Chung Yul said leftist elements are trying to create a socialist society by fomenting turmoil or revolution that would destroy the existing political and social order.

It was the first major government policy statement on the strikes for higher pay, better working conditions and free unions that have swept the country since early July and crippled the export-based economy.

“The government is firmly determined to root out impure leftist forces from our society with all the law-enforcing power we can mobilize from now on to maintain law and order,” Kim said in a televised speech.

Special Team Formed

Justice Minister Chung Hae Chang said police and government prosecutors have formed a special team to stamp out leftist agitation. He said more than 60 people have been arrested since Aug. 20, including leftist agitators disguised as workers.

Police announced 12 of the arrests today. They said that most of those detained are former student activists and that more will be rounded up.

The main opposition alliance called for anti-government rallies Friday to mourn the death of a shipyard worker who became the first fatality of more than a month of labor unrest when he was hit by a tear gas shell.