Beijing says the measures, which also ban refusing to watch state TV, will combat Islamist extremism.

…But rights groups say the unrest is more a reaction to repressive policies, and argue that the new measures may end up pushing some Uighurs into extremism.

…Reuters news agency reports that the new laws also ban:

• Not allowing children to attend government schools
• Not abiding by family planning policies
• Deliberately damaging legal documents
• Marrying using only religious procedures

China Uighurs: Xinjiang ban on long beards and veils – BBC News

hmmmm