China bans Muslim names like ‘Saddam’, ‘Jihad’ for newborns in restive Xinjiang

On April 1, the authorities in Xinjiang had also imposed new rules banning "abnormal" beards or a full veil

China, Xinjiang, China Xinjiang, China Xinjiang news, Xinjiang islamic extremism, China restive Xinjiang, Xinjiang province, Xinjiang Uighurs, China news, Xinjiang news, Indian express

The Xinjiang government claims the names were banned because of their religious connotation, which can “exaggerate religious fervour”. (File Photo)

China has banned Islamic names for babies in Muslim-majority Xinjiang region, home to the Muslim Uighur ethnic minority, the Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Tuesday. According to the move, children with the banned names like Saddam or Midina will not be able to get a residence permit called “hukou”, which is required for access to medical and educational services, it said in a statement.

“This is just the latest in a slew of new regulations restricting religious freedom in the name of countering religious extremism,” the HRW said.

The Xinjiang government claims the names were banned because of their religious connotation, which can “exaggerate religious fervour”, Efe news reported. On April 1, the authorities in Xinjiang had also imposed new rules banning “abnormal” beards or a full veil and warned people of punishments for refusing to watch state TV or radio programmes.

Story continues below this ad

Conflicts between the Uighur and the Han, the majority ethnic group in China and who also control the government, are common. Beijing usually attributes the violence to Islamist groups and secessionists whereas Uighur groups in exile consider the conflict to be a result of repression by the Communist regime.

“Violent incidents and ethnic tensions in Xinjiang have been on the rise in recent years, but the government’s farcically repressive policies and punishments are hardly solutions,” said HRW.

“They are only going to deepen resentment among the Uighurs,” it added.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Tags:
China
Xinjiang

‘Violence in Nepal is heart-rending’: PM Modi expresses concern as KP Sharma Oli resigns

India4 hr ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi showed worry about the turmoil in Nepal and stressed the need for peace and stability. The Nepal Army and security officials called for dialogue to restore order amidst growing protests and the resignation of Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli. The Indian government issued a safety advisory for Indian citizens, advising against travel until the situation improves.

View all shorts

Live Blog