Bihar Mandates Face Unveiling in Jewellery Shops Amid Security Fears, Sparks Row

• Bihar becomes first state to implement statewide restriction on fully covered faces in jewellery shops due to rising gold prices and robbery incidents.
• All India Jewellers and Gold Federation (AIJGF) directed the rule, requiring customers to show faces for identification before purchase.
• AIJGF President Ashok Kumar Verma clarified the rule applies to all face coverings (hijabs, niqabs, helmets, scarves) and is purely for security, not targeting any community.
• Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) spokesperson Ejaz Ahmed condemned the move as unconstitutional, hurting religious sentiments, and an attack on fundamental rights.
• Verma stated staff will politely request identification, not forcibly remove coverings, aiming for safety of both customers and shopkeepers.

Why It Matters: Bihar implements a controversial rule requiring face identification in jewellery shops for security, sparking political debate.