It is a controversy that cuts at the heart of a secular India. Despite the denials being issued by the government, Hyderabad News has learnt that South Block did request details about Muslim officers in the Army, despite the denials by the Prime Minister’s Office. According to information available with HNN, the Army Headquarters put on record its objections to the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government panel's questions on Muslims, their ranks and their roles in the armed forces. Sending the list of Muslim officers and their ranks, Army Headquarters wrote to the Defense Ministry that collation of such data could affect troop morale as it could play into the hands of those who wanted to give it a particular political flavor.

The Justice Rajinder Sachar Committee has been tasked with preparing a report on the social, economic and educational status of the Muslims. The seven-member committee was constituted on March 9 last year and asked to submit its report to the government within 15 months. The committee has categorically denied allegations that any specific questions were asked by it from any wing of the Defense Forces or the ministry concerned.

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