Chinese city bans 'burqas, beards' on public transport

China has reportedly banned people wearing burqas, clothes with the crescent moon and star symbol or long beards from public transport in a city in the Xinjiang province.

Officials in the city of Karamay have said that the ban has been imposed due to a local sports event and will last till August 20, reported the BBC.

The move comes in the backdrop of several incidents of violence in the Xinjiang province, home to the Muslim Uighur minority, and is said to be aimed at ensuring social stability and protecting the lives, property and safety of citizens of all races, the report added.

Passengers who do not co-operate will be reported to the police.