Chinese Muslims are banned from having abnormal beards & veils to curb extremism

                                                                                        (C)Reuters

China has announced that it is implementing new measures including a ban on 'abnormal' beards in its heavily Muslim region of Xinjiang. Veils have also been banned in public places along with refusing to watch or listen to state media, as part of the new 'Regulations on Extremisation of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.' China claims that the legal, cultural and religious rights of Muslims in Xinjiang are fully protected. However many Muslim Uighur people resent increasing restrictions on their culture and religion and complain they are denied economic opportunities amid an influx of Han Chinese into the province.
The new rules posted to news.ts.cn yesterday state: 'Parents should use good moral conduct to influence their children, educate them to revere science, persue culture, uphold ethnic unity and refuse and oppose extremism'.  Workers in public spaces such as stations and airports will be asked to 'dissuade' those who fully cover their bodies including veiling their faces from entering. They will also be required to report them to the police. The new rules is set to come into effect today, April 1.