BEIJING — China’s government won’t interfere with fasting and other standard religious activities in the traditionally Muslim region of Xinjiang during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which begins this month, officials said Thursday.

Restaurants will be allowed to keep their own hours and authorized activities in mosques and private homes will be legally protected, the officials said at a news conference in Xinjiang, despite complaints from rights groups and others of past government interference.

Xinjiang is home to China’s Muslim Uighur minority group, which is culturally, religiously, and linguistically distinct from the Chinese majority.

It has seen waves of violence against civilians in recent years, which authorities have blamed on radicals.

China maintains tight restrictions over Islamic observances in the area, in part to maintain government control and stem the influence of radical Islam.

However, human rights groups and Uighurs in exile say restrictions on dress, prayer, and fasting during Ramadan have exacerbated ethnic tensions.

Associated Press