BEIJING, China: Authorities in a Muslim region in western China have barred local officials from observing the holy fasting month of Ramadan, government Web sites said.

The New York Times reported on Monday that the ethnic Han Chinese authorities imposed strict limits on religious practices in Xinjiang during Ramadan.

Women in the region -- home to the Uighurs, a Muslim Turkic people -- are prohibited from wearing veils and men from growing beards, the Times reported after viewing information on four Chinese government Web sites.

Teachers, Communist Party members, civil servants and retired government officials are prohibited from observing Ramadan, entering mosques or take part in any religious activities during the month. Worshipers cannot make pilgrimages to tombs so as "to avoid any group event that might harm social stability," said the Xinjiang government's Web site.

One town, Yingmaili, requires that local officials check up on mosques at least twice a week during Ramadan.