Burqa, Mask, Veil, Helmet Banned in UP Jewelry Shops Amid Rising Thefts

• Uttar Pradesh Jewelers Association (UPJA) in Varanasi bans entry to jewelry shops for customers with covered faces (burqas, masks, veils, helmets) due to security concerns.
• The decision follows recent incidents of theft and fraud where criminals with covered faces were difficult to identify.
• UPJA District President Kamal Singh and State President Satyanarayan Seth emphasize the rule is for jeweler safety, not against any religion, and applies to all covered faces.
• Customers wearing burqas or hijabs must remove them before entering shops to confirm identity, as stated by UPJA leaders.
• The rule has sparked debate, with some criticizing it as harmful to business and dignity, while a government advocate deems it legal for security reasons.

Why It Matters: UP jewelers ban covered faces in shops for security, sparking debate on safety vs. religious sensitivity.