DHAKA: A Chinese government worker in the ancient Silk Road oasis of Kashgar beckons two women to her streetside stand and logs their details under the gaze of a surveillance camera. Their offence: wearing veils.

The ‘Project Beauty’ campaign aims to discourage women from covering their faces, a religious practice for some Muslim Uighurs, the largest ethnic group in China’s Xinjiang region, in an attempt to improve security.

But critics warn the effort could sow resentment and backfire instead.

‘We need to hold onto our traditions and they should understand that,’ said a 25-year-old woman who has been registered twice, reports The Straits Times.

BDST: 1256 HRS, NOV 25, 2013