Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Survey on numbers

The Rajinder Sachar Committee appointed by the UPA Government has embarked on the road to disintegration by seeking details of the number of Muslims in the armed forces, among other government agencies. Ever since the Congress-led Government has come to power, it has made one move after another — granting minority status to Aligarh Muslim University, amendment to the Foreigners Act, reservation in education and employment for Muslims in Andhra Pradesh — that goes against the spirit of secularism.

Inamdar Ramachandra,
Bangalore

If reservation is introduced to increase representation of a particular group, the army will become another public sector undertaking.

T.V. Rao,
Thrissur, Kerala

An Afghan general invading India wanted to know the reason for smoke emanating from many places in the Indian army camp. He was told that various communities and castes were cooking their food separately. He expressed his happiness saying it made his job easy. The political leaders seem to underestimate the effect the new exercise will have on the armed forces.

A.T. Thiruvengadam,
Chennai

The controversy is needless and unwarranted. The move should not be misconstrued as an exercise to appease the Muslim community. When there are separate regiments for Sikhs and Rajputs, why not for Muslims? Why do some vested interests make a noise whenever any welfare scheme is announced for the uplift of Muslims?

G.G. Tariq,
Kurnool, A.P.

Low representation of Muslims in all sectors is one of the main causes of their alienation from the mainstream. When an effort is at last being made to address the issue, why should it be opposed? Do those opposing the survey want Muslims to remain under represented? If what they call pseudo secularism can help achieve social equity and justice, it is well worth it.

Narendra Kumar Uikey,
Chhindwara, M.P.

The army should not be concerned about the exercise. The findings will only help in allaying the apprehensions of Muslims and reaffirm the institution's secular credentials.

Shaj Hameed,
Kottayam, Kerala

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