A decision made by a jewellery shop owners’ association in Bihar to prohibit customers with covered faces, including women in hijabs or niqabs, has stirred political debate in the state. RJD state spokesperson Ejaz Ahmed criticized the move, calling it unconstitutional and contrary to India’s constitutional values. He accused BJP and RSS members of being behind the agenda and urged the shop owners to retract the decision to preserve India’s constitutional and secular principles.
The All India Jewellers and Gold Federation (AIGJF) defended the decision, stating that individuals with covered faces, such as those wearing hijabs, burqas, scarves, or helmets, will not be allowed to enter jewellery showrooms unless they reveal their faces for identification. The federation emphasized that this rule, implemented statewide in Bihar, is solely for security reasons and not aimed at any specific group.
Ashok Kumar Verma, State President of the All India Jewellers and Gold Federation, clarified that the measure is in response to security concerns, citing instances of theft where perpetrators concealed their identities with face coverings. Verma stressed that the rule applies universally, requiring both men and women to briefly show their faces during transactions to establish trust between customers and shopkeepers.
Verma assured that the federation’s intention is not discriminatory and that the rule has been discussed with local law enforcement. He highlighted that similar security measures are already in place in some districts of other states to prevent criminal activities. The issue has sparked a broader discussion in Bihar on the delicate balance between security protocols and religious freedoms, with ongoing political reactions.
