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The Federal Government has apparently
ordered a survey of Muslims in the
Indian defense establishment through
the Justice (Retd.) Rajendera Sachar
committee. While the objective of this
exercise is not known, the Army has
communicated its strongest
reservations to the Government but it
appears its opinion has been
overruled. The Army had argued that
the defense forces is a secular,
apolitical organization and that such
survey demanding numbers, ranks, and
operational involvement of Muslims
will create disquiet in the
professional force. According to
initial estimates, there are 29,093
Muslims in the Army in 2004. More than
29 battalions had a sizeable number of
the community with the Jammu & Kashmir
Light Infantry with over 50% Muslims.
Spurred by the book "Khaki and Ethnic
Violence in India" by Omar Khalidi,
the Government has asked for specific
information on operations. Khalidi
says that 700 Muslim soldiers deserted
in 1948 Hyderabad action and entire
Muslim villages in Leh were cleared
during Operation Vijay in 1999. Unlike
other Governmental departments, the
Army does not maintain caste,
community, or religious information of
its recruits. The Navy and Air Force
has already supplied the information
to the Government.
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