According to news sources, China has again banned Ramadan fasting in some parts of western Xinjiang district for Muslim party members, civil servants, teachers and students.
Throughout the district, which is known to have a minority population of Uighurs, public has been urged not to fast during the month of Ramadan. Halal restaurants near the Kazakh border are encouraged by food safety officials to stay open during daylight hours in Ramadan. In addition, restaurants and shops owned by Muslims are also told to continue selling cigarettes and alcohol during the Holy Month or be ready to get shut down altogether.
Beijing continues to make concentrated efforts against ‘religious extremism’. However, human rights groups call this ‘religious repression’, adding that authorities want Muslims to avoid ‘instilling religion’ into public bodies.
