PYONGYANG, April 20 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Thursday slammed South Korean conservatives for backing U.S. plan to stage military strikes against Pyongyang.

"South Korean puppet conservative group cried out for the 'bombardment on the north' and 'war in April' in an attempt to increase war phobia" and "to make a state of confusion, " said the official daily of the ruling Korean Workers' Party, Rodong Sinmun.

"The South Korean people from all walks of life also are becoming critical of the U.S. and the South Korean puppet regime for their scheme to mount 'preemptive strikes at the north' to deliberately aggravate the situation on the Korean peninsula and war maneuvers," it said.

The United States and South Korea have been conducting the largest ever joint military exercise "Foal Eagle" as tension remains very high between Pyongyang and Washington over the latter's threat to stage pre-emptive strike against DPRK's leadership and strategic nuclear and missile installations.

"Those who are not able to take responsibility for what may happen later on are inciting the confrontation with the fellow countrymen in the north, expecting the above-said strike of their American master, but such action will accelerate their self-destruction only," said the commentary.

The U.S.-South Korean joint war game was scheduled to continue till the end of this month.