Bihar jewellery shops’ bar on entry with hijab, niqab, helmets sparks political row

Jewellery traders in Bihar have banned the entry of women wearing hijab, niqab, face masks or ghoonghat, and men wearing helmets or traditional head coverings (muretha), into gold and silver shops across the state. Following the decision, many shops have put up clear notices outside stating that anyone wearing such attire will not be permitted to enter.

The decision, however, has triggered a political row, with Bihar’s main Opposition party, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), criticising the move and demanding its immediate withdrawal. The party said such decisions are “part of a conspiracy to take away the religious freedom and fundamental rights granted to citizens under the Constitution.”

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Ashok Kumar Verma, the state president of the All India Gold and Jewellers Association, emphasised that the decision is not directed against any particular community or group and is based solely on security concerns. He said customers may show their faces or clearly establish their identity before making a purchase, if required. “Jewellery businesses have always been a target for criminals. We have taken this decision entirely with security in mind. Incidents of robbery in shops are occurring frequently, and when faces are covered, it becomes difficult to identify criminals. That is why we have taken this step,” he said.

However, RJD state spokesperson Ejaz Ahmed strongly criticised the move, stating that targeting hijab and niqab in the name of security is not only wrong but also hurts religious sentiments. He said such decisions are part of a conspiracy to take away the religious freedom and fundamental rights granted to citizens under the Constitution.

Ahmed alleged that people associated with the BJP and RSS are already active in promoting such conspiracies, and that some jewellery shop owners are now attempting to further the same agenda. He said targeting a specific religious identity in the name of security is unacceptable under any circumstances.

The RJD spokesperson demanded that jewellery shop owners immediately withdraw actions that hurt religious sentiments and act responsibly. He said the issue is not limited to hijab and niqab alone, but constitutes an attack on religious freedom and a step that weakens India’s constitutional system.