In a bold move sparking nationwide debate, Bihar’s Minister Lakhanendra Paswan has thrown his weight behind jewelry shop owners imposing a ban on hijabs and helmets inside their stores. The decision, aimed at curbing rising thefts and ensuring customer safety, has ignited discussions on security versus personal freedoms.
Paswan, addressing a gathering of traders in Patna, praised the merchants for taking proactive steps amid increasing incidents of chain-snatching and robbery disguised as regular shopping. ‘Traders have every right to protect their businesses and lives,’ he declared, emphasizing that such measures are essential in high-risk retail environments like jewelry outlets.
The controversy erupted when several shops in Bihar put up notices prohibiting face coverings, citing difficulties in identifying suspicious individuals. Critics argue this infringes on religious and personal rights, while supporters point to successful implementations in other states where similar policies reduced crime rates significantly.
Local police data supports the traders’ concerns, showing a 30% uptick in jewelry-related heists over the past year, many involving masked perpetrators. Paswan urged other sectors to adopt similar vigilance, promising government backing against any legal challenges.
As the story unfolds, business associations are planning statewide adoption of the policy, potentially setting a precedent for retail security nationwide. This development underscores the delicate balance between commerce, crime prevention, and cultural sensitivities in modern India.