TheUttar Pradesh Jewellers Association (UPJA)in Varanasi on Saturday announced a ban on selling jewellery to customers wearingveils, burqas, masks, or helmets, citing security concerns. The move follows several incidents oftheft, robbery, and fraudacross the state.

Kamal Singh, UPJA’s district president, said the measure ensuresshop safety, explaining that customers with covered faces make it difficult to identify culprits. Posters have been displayed outside shops stating that entry is prohibited for those wearing masks, burqas, helmets, or veils. Customers wearing ahijab or burqacan enter only after uncovering their faces.

Satya Narayan Seth, UPJA president, noted that similar notices have been placed in other districts, includingJhansi, and emphasized that the policy is forsecurity, not religious discrimination.

However, some jewellers, like Shahid from Lohta, criticized the ban, saying it mayalienate customersand could be seen as insulting if women are asked to remove their burqas.

Government advocateRana Sanjeev Singhdefended the move, stating that ensuring security is a legitimate concern, especially given recent cases where thefts were carried out by women in burqas whose identities could not be verified.

The UPJA stressed that the measure is intended solely toprotect shopkeepers and employees, not to target any community.