VARANASI, Jan. 11 -- The local unit of Uttar Pradesh Goldsmiths Association on Saturday imposed a ban on the sale of jewellery to customers wearing a veil, burqa, mask or helmet, citing security reasons. Kamal Singh, district president of the Varanasi unit of the association, provided this information. "We have taken this decision in view of rising crime incidents. If a masked person comes to the shop and commits a crime, it becomes difficult to identify such a person." He said, "We have put up posters in front of our shops stating that wearing masks, burqas, helmets and masks is prohibited." Singh said, "The jewellery business deals in precious items. Criminals often commit crimes wearing helmets and masks. Therefore, we will not sell jewellery to those wearing masks, helmets and masks or keeping their faces covered by any other means." Satyanarayan Seth, president of the association, said such posters have been put up in front of goldsmith shops in many districts of the state, including Jhansi. He said shopkeepers are not opposing anyone's religion, but are doing this for their own safety. "Muslim customers can come wearing burqas, but should remove them at the shop so that their identity can be confirmed," said Seth. Shahid, a jeweller from the Lohta area here, said it is wrong to refuse entry to customers wearing burqas. "Such a refusal will drive away customers. Asking a woman wearing a burqa to remove it would be insulting," he added....