Veils may become symbols of resistance for Uygurs in China's Xinjiang
Government move to ban wearing of face coverings may trigger a backlash in Xinjiang
China has followed in the footsteps of some European countries in "de-veiling" Muslim women.
On February 1, which was incidentally the 3rd World Hijab Day, a law banning from public "face masks", "full-body robes" ( mengmian zhaopao) and "extremism-inspired" attire or symbols came into effect in Urumqi , regional capital of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.
According to a 2010 census, Turkic-speaking Muslims accounted for the largest proportion of the Xinjiang population of 22 million, with Han Chinese being the second-largest ethnic group.
The new law, by imposing criminal liability, is aimed at "maintaining social stability, curbing extremism, safeguarding the livelihood of all ethnic groups and preserving Chinese culture". Those violating the ban are liable to a fine of up to 5,000 yuan (HK$6,320).
The legislation followed similar moves in neighbouring cities amid the popularisation of religious facial veils since 2000. In 2001, authorities in Yining reportedly denounced the "abnormal phenomenon" of "ethnic minority women and youth wearing Arab dress, growing long beards or covering their faces in veils" in an attempt to "dilute religious consciousness" and promote a "civilised and healthy lifestyle".
Last year, the city of Karamay banned five types of people from public transport: those who sported long beards, burqas, veils, headscarves and clothing featuring the crescent moon and five-pointed star - a symbol of East Turkestan independence.