China bans yet another thing; this time it is Ramadan fasting

At present it is very difficult to find anything positive about China’s excessive control over its society. Some critics are also of the opinion that this very controlling nature has fueled protests in Xinjiang region. This province has been known as a home for Uighur Muslims. Recently, china had made every effort o curb every extremist activity in the region by cracking down on terrorist outfits. In the wake of killing civilians in a bombing, China had also ordered taking down of any information from the internet which could aid in the development of any terrorist material.

It is being reported that this ban has been imposed as a punishment for Uighurs for escalating unrest in the region. It is also being reported that they are being encouraged to eat meals and their homes were also checked to make sure that the fasts were not being observed. Bozhou Radio and TV University said, as quoted by Saudi Gazette sourced from AFP that the ban would be imposed on party members, teachers, and young people and they will be instructed to refrain from taking part in Ramadan activities. A weather bureau in Qaraqash County in western Xinjiang said, as quoted by Saudi Gazette, that as instructed by the authorities, the current and retired staff of the bureau are not permitted to observe the fast.

Students and civil servants alike have been warned for participating in any fasting or religious activities. Forestry department of the strife torn province also went ahead and organized an event in which officers signed an agreement to refrain from fasting.

On one hand China seeks to eliminate any terrorist activity from the province. In fact, china has also taken a controversial step to connect the province to a neighboring country via a rail link. However, China seems to have forgotten that it cannot happen without the cooperation of the people from the province. The objective of China might be legitimate, but the way of doing it is not. Some critics are of the opinion that by suppressing and not considering the views of the Uighurs, China is only fueling further unrest. Dilxat Raxit, spokesman for the rights group, World Uighur Congress, said, as quoted by Yahoo, "This will lead to more conflicts if China uses coercive measures to rule and to challenge Uighur beliefs." - See more at: http://thechinamagazine.com/china-bans-ramadan-fasting/