China says Muslim practices to be protected during Ramadan

By: 9 years ago

FILE - In this Aug. 1, 2011 file photo, two Chinese Hui Muslim girls read the Quran, Islam's holy book, at the Niujie Mosque as they wait for their fast on the first day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in Beijing. A heavily Muslim Chinese province has demanded strict adherence to a ban on religion in schools after a video circulated online in which a kindergartener recites verses from the Quran. (AP Photo/Andy Wong, File)

In this Aug. 1, 2011 file photo, two Chinese Hui Muslim girls read the Quran, Islam’s holy book, at the Niujie Mosque as they wait for their fast on the first day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in Beijing. AP

BEIJING — Officials from China’s traditionally Muslim region of Xinjiang say they will not interfere with fasting and other standard religious activities during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

The officials said at a news conference Thursday that restaurants will be allowed to keep their own hours and activities in mosques and homes will be legally protected.

The restive region is home to China’s Uighur minority group. Some Uighur extremists have carried out deadly attacks on civilians and the authorities in recent years. China maintains tight control over Islamic observances in the area, in part to maintain government control and stem the influence of radical Islam.

However, human rights groups and Uighurs in exile say restrictions on dress, prayer and fasting during Ramadan have exacerbated ethnic tensions and stoked resentment. TVJ