Editor’s Note
This report details a security measure implemented by jewelers in Bihar, India. The policy restricts entry to individuals wearing face coverings, including religious garments like hijabs and burqas, as well as helmets. The association states this is solely for crime prevention and not targeted at any faith. The decision highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing security concerns with religious practices and personal freedoms.
Jewelers in Bihar have banned entry into their shops for individuals wearing hijabs, niqabs, burqas, or helmets. According to the Jewelers Association, criminals often conceal their faces to commit crimes in shops. This decision has been made to ensure security and is not against any religion or community.
Businessmen associated with the gold and silver trade in Bihar have made a crucial and strict decision regarding security. In light of increasing criminal incidents and continuous robberies, the Jewelers Association has taken this step. Now, women wearing hijabs, burqas, niqabs, or veils will not be allowed entry into the state’s gold and silver shops. Similarly, men wearing helmets or face coverings will also be barred from entering shops. This decision was made by the All India Gold and Jewelers Association.
Ashok Kumar Verma, the state president of the Association, stated clearly. In recent times, several incidents of robbery, theft, and shootings have been reported in jewelry shops across different districts of Bihar.
According to Ashok Kumar Verma, a common factor observed in crime incidents is that in most cases, criminals enter shops with their faces covered. Due to hijabs, niqabs, veils, or helmets, faces are not clearly visible in CCTV cameras, making it difficult to identify the criminals. Often, the police also face difficulties in investigations after the incident.
Keeping this problem in mind, the Jewelers Association has decided that the face of every customer entering the shops should be clearly visible. The Association says this decision is not against any religion, class, or community but has been taken entirely for security reasons. Businessmen believe that if faces remain uncovered, crime can be curbed to a great extent.
Gold and silver traders have also informed that this rule is not limited to Bihar. In many major cities and states of the country, entry into jewelry shops while wearing a helmet is already prohibited. Now, preparations are being made to implement it strictly in Bihar as well. Shopkeepers have been instructed to politely appeal to customers to follow the rules.
However, this decision has sparked intense discussion in society. Some people are calling it necessary from a security perspective, while others are linking it to personal freedom. But the Jewelers Association clearly states that the safety of the lives and property of businessmen and customers is the top priority. In the coming days, it will be important to see how this decision is implemented on the ground and whether it leads to a reduction in crime incidents in gold and silver shops. For now, the Jewelers Association is describing this decision as a necessary step towards security.
