China is set to implement a new set of tough rules to keep a check on religious extremism in the Muslim-dominated region of Xinjiang, located in the country's far western region. These new sets of rules, which will be reportedly implemented from April 1, are seen as a countermeasure to a recent spike in insurgency violence in the region.

Like Us on Facebook

The new rules ban men from growing abnormal beards and women from covering their faces and bodies with a full veil. People, who rebel against these rules, would not be allowed entry to public places like railway stations and airports and they will also have to report to the nearest police stations.

The new regulations also puts a ban on spreading "extremist ideas" like refusing to watch or listen to government propaganda on radio and TV. Religious marriages will also be discouraged, while people will be urged to go for marriages that follow legal procedures.

Even halal has been included in the new list of rules, with clear directives being given that interference in other people's secular lives on the pretext of halal would not be allowed.

Furthermore, the Chinese government wants Xinjiang people to encourage their children to pursue education that will help them to revere "science, pursue culture, uphold ethnic unity and refuse and oppose extremism."

Some of these rules are already being followed in certain areas of Xinjiang, but now they will be extended to the entire province, in a clear signal that China is getting tough against growing extremism in the Muslim-dominated region.

Although Xinjiang's Uyghur Muslim are known for following a more moderate form of Islam, the growing popularity of Islamic veil among women population has sent warning signals to Chinese authorities that extremism is catching up in the region.

Xinjiang hit by recent Surge in Violence  

After a period of stability and restive peace, Xinjiang witnessed a first big insurgency attack in December last year, when a terrorist's vehicle slammed into a government building. The incident claimed the lives of five people and left several others injured.   

Barely a month after this attack, a knife attack by suspected terrorist left another five people dead and scores of people injured.    

China responded to these attacks by conducting anti-terror rallies in the capital city of capital Urumqi and other parts of the province. Hundreds of policemen along with scores of armored vehicles participated in these rallies to apparently convey a show of strength to insurgents.     

Tagschina, Xinjiang, Insurgency in Xinjiang, Muslims in China, terrorism in China