Do you think there will be wild ass Muslim protests around the world over it, with attacks on Chinese interests? I don't.
(Al Arabia) Chinese Muslim officials as well as students under the age of 18 in the restive northwestern region of Xinjiang are not allowed to fast during the holy month of Ramadan, a newspaper reported on Wednesday.
In a bid to clamp down on religious extremism, Communist Party leaders posted guidance on numerous government websites restricting Muslim religious activities, including fasting and visiting mosques, the UAE-based newspaper, The National reported.
The Chinese central government has also asked officials in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region to discourage the local Muslim population to fast, highlighting in particular the health concerns.
The ban has led to exiled rights group to warn of new violence. The World Uyghur Congress warned that the policy would force “the Uighur people to resist (Chinese rule) even further,” according to The National.
“By banning fasting during Ramadan, China is using administrative methods to force the Uighur people to eat in an effort to break the fasting,” Dilshat Rexit, the group spokesman, said in a statement.
A statement was also released from Zongland township in Xinjiang’s Kashgar district saying “the county’s committee has issued comprehensive policies on maintaining social stability during the Ramadan period.
“It is forbidden for Communist Party cadres, civil officials (including those who have retired) and students to participate in Ramadan religious activities.”
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