The Chinese government has reportedly issued orders asking Muslims to surrender their Qurans, stating that failure to do that will result in 'harsh punishment'.

Legit.ng earlier reported that the Chinese government made a move to control religious activities in the country by banning children from attending church activities.

According to new reports from Radio Free Asia, the Christians are not the only ones affected as Muslims have also been asked to hand over their religious items.

The Muslim faithfuls in Xinjiang, northwestern China, were reportedly asked to hand in their Qurans and prayer mats or face severe punishments.

READ ALSO: China reportedly bans children from attending church

A spokesman World Uyghur Congress, Dilxat Raxit, said people in Kashgar, Hotan and other regions were not left out as notifications were reportedly sent via WeChat, asking them to hand over their own religious items.

The Uyghur human rights project said they were alarmed at how the government's regulations were intruding into its citizens' religious lives, adding that people of faith don't need to be treated as 'state suspects'.

READ ALSO: Public functions: FG may ban Christian and Muslim prayers

A director of the project identified as Omer Kanat said:

"The new religious regulations demonstrate how Xi Jinping’s administration is founded on division. In Xi’s China loyalty is demanded and not earned. Ethnic minorities, dissidents and people of faith present a challenge to Beijing’s vision of unquestioned allegiance to the state. If these groups do not fall into line, their vilification creates a convenient scapegoat for a morally compromised government."

Na wa!

Meanwhile, watch this video to see how Nigerians responded to 'can you give up your religion for $5m?'