Local governments in the Western Region of Xinjiang in China are making attempts to have controls on the Islamic faith which is practiced by the Uighur Muslims. These Governments are forcing the Muslim officials to swear they will not observe fasting in Ramazan.
Stories were published in State owned Media and Website in Xinjiang asking the party members, Civil Servant, teachers and students, not to observe fast during Ramazan. This was done last year also.
Govt. informed that in Jinghe province in the vicinity of Kazakh border, food safety officials took a decision last week that they will make available halal food in restaurants which will be kept open as usual during Ramadan. In the year 2013 in Maralbexi province 21 persons died in terrorist attack. At that time, party officials had made a promise that they have no faith and also that they will not perform any religious ceremonies which will be leading to fasting in the month of Ramazan.
Human Rights Activists told that the policies of the government in Xinjiang which restrictions religious practices have provoked unrest. However these allegations have been denied by the Govt.
Dilxat Raxit, the Spokesman for the exiled the Uighur Muslim Groups and the World Uyghur Congress said that China is imposing bans on the Muslims for practicing their religious activities. Govt. denied imposing such restrictions but in practice it is observed that Govt. officials and the individuals above 18 of age are banned from observing fasting and offering prayers. Communist Party Chief of Xinjiang province, Zhang Chunxian warned that the stability of the province is increasing pressure from religious extremists.
Communist Party of China maintains that it protects religious freedom but keeps a tight grip on religious activities and allows only officially recognized religious organizations to operate.
It may be noted that China has around 20 million Muslims throughout the country and only a portion of which are Uighur, a Turkish language speaking population located in Xinjiang province.
