Beijing: China has introduced new restrictions in the far-western region of Xinjiang in what it describes as a campaign against Islamist extremism.
The measures, which took effect from Saturday, include prohibiting "abnormally" long beards and the wearing of veils in public places, reported South China Morning Post newspaper.
The latest restrictions, outlined in a sweeping new anti-extremism legislation, come on the heels of a series of steps to increase surveillance in the region that include the surrender of passports and mandatory GPS trackers in cars.
China has introduced new restrictions in the far-western region of Xinjiang in what it describes as a campaign against Islamist extremism.
The measures, which took effect from Saturday, include prohibiting "abnormally" long beards and the wearing of veils in public places, reported South China Morning Post newspaper.
The latest restrictions, outlined in a sweeping new anti-extremism legislation, come on the heels of a series of steps to increase surveillance in the region that include the surrender of passports and mandatory GPS trackers in cars.
It will also be illegal to refuse to watch state television and listen to state radio, or prevent children from receiving national education -- activities deemed "manifestations" of extremism, according to the official news website News.ts.cn.
"They're doubling down on security in Xinjiang," said James Leibold, an associate professor at Australia's Le Trobe University, whose research focuses on China's Uyghur minority.
The law didn't explain these measures in detail or define abnormal, but according to the state-run China Daily, long beards would be banned "as they are deemed to promote extremism".
The regulation, passed by the Xinjiang legislature's standing committee, said special task forces to curb extremism would be set up at regional, prefectural and county governments and local leaders would be evaluated annually for their localities' achievements on the matter.
Beijing blames Islamist militants and separatists for attacks in Xinjiang that have killed hundreds of people in recent years, reported the daily.
Rights groups claimed that the conflicts were caused by the government's repression of religious freedom and unfair ethnic policies.
The new law also banned: Using religious instead of legal procedures to marry or divorce, meddling in other people's weddings, funerals and inheritance; not abiding by family planning policies, and deliberately damaging legal documents.
The rules also stated that workers in public spaces, such as stations and airports, are now required to "dissuade" those who fully cover their bodies, including veiling their faces, from entering, and to report them to the police.
It will also be illegal to refuse to watch state television and listen to state radio, or prevent children from receiving national education -- activities deemed "manifestations" of extremism, according to the official news website News.ts.cn.
"They're doubling down on security in Xinjiang," said James Leibold, an associate professor at Australia's Le Trobe University, whose research focuses on China's Uyghur minority.
The law didn't explain these measures in detail or define abnormal, but according to the state-run China Daily, long beards would be banned "as they are deemed to promote extremism".
The regulation, passed by the Xinjiang legislature's standing committee, said special task forces to curb extremism would be set up at regional, prefectural and county governments and local leaders would be evaluated annually for their localities' achievements on the matter.
Beijing blames Islamist terrorists and separatists for attacks in Xinjiang that have killed hundreds of people in recent years, reported the daily.
Rights groups claimed that the conflicts were caused by the government's repression of religious freedom and unfair ethnic policies.
The new law also banned: Using religious instead of legal procedures to marry or divorce, meddling in other people's weddings, funerals and inheritance; not abiding by family planning policies, and deliberately damaging legal documents.
The rules also stated that workers in public spaces, such as stations and airports, are now required to "dissuade" those who fully cover their bodies, including veiling their faces, from entering, and to report them to the police.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The measures, which took effect from Saturday, include prohibiting "abnormally" long beards and the wearing of veils in public places, reported South China Morning Post newspaper.
The latest restrictions, outlined in a sweeping new anti-extremism legislation, come on the heels of a series of steps to increase surveillance in the region that include the surrender of passports and mandatory GPS trackers in cars.
The measures, which took effect from Saturday, include prohibiting "abnormally" long beards and the wearing of veils in public places, reported South China Morning Post newspaper.
Advertisement
It will also be illegal to refuse to watch state television and listen to state radio, or prevent children from receiving national education -- activities deemed "manifestations" of extremism, according to the official news website News.ts.cn.
Advertisement
The law didn't explain these measures in detail or define abnormal, but according to the state-run China Daily, long beards would be banned "as they are deemed to promote extremism".
Advertisement
Beijing blames Islamist militants and separatists for attacks in Xinjiang that have killed hundreds of people in recent years, reported the daily.
Advertisement
The new law also banned: Using religious instead of legal procedures to marry or divorce, meddling in other people's weddings, funerals and inheritance; not abiding by family planning policies, and deliberately damaging legal documents.
Advertisement
It will also be illegal to refuse to watch state television and listen to state radio, or prevent children from receiving national education -- activities deemed "manifestations" of extremism, according to the official news website News.ts.cn.
"They're doubling down on security in Xinjiang," said James Leibold, an associate professor at Australia's Le Trobe University, whose research focuses on China's Uyghur minority.
The law didn't explain these measures in detail or define abnormal, but according to the state-run China Daily, long beards would be banned "as they are deemed to promote extremism".
The regulation, passed by the Xinjiang legislature's standing committee, said special task forces to curb extremism would be set up at regional, prefectural and county governments and local leaders would be evaluated annually for their localities' achievements on the matter.
Beijing blames Islamist terrorists and separatists for attacks in Xinjiang that have killed hundreds of people in recent years, reported the daily.
Rights groups claimed that the conflicts were caused by the government's repression of religious freedom and unfair ethnic policies.
The new law also banned: Using religious instead of legal procedures to marry or divorce, meddling in other people's weddings, funerals and inheritance; not abiding by family planning policies, and deliberately damaging legal documents.
The rules also stated that workers in public spaces, such as stations and airports, are now required to "dissuade" those who fully cover their bodies, including veiling their faces, from entering, and to report them to the police.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Rishi Sunak Pledges To Tackle "UK's Most Significant Terror Threat" "No Face Veils In Public": Sri Lanka Announces Ban After Easter Bombings 28-Year-Old Woman Becomes First To Be Fined In Denmark For Wearing Niqab Amid Huge Row, Karnataka Pauses Bill For Reservation In Private Sector Firms Travel Influencer Aanvi Kamdar Dies After Falling Off A Waterfall Near Mumbai UP Banker Dies By Suicide After 6 Months Of Bullying, Body-Shaming 3 Indians Among Crew Detained On Singapore Ship Carrying Drugs: Report Ensure Equal Rights For LGBTQ+ Community In Jail: Centre Writes To States Indian Among 6 People Killed In Oman Mosque Shooting Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.