Ruling out any dilution of recruitment parameters in the armed forces, Army Chief General JJ Singh on Monday said, "The Army is and will remain an apolitical, secular and professional force".

"We don't look at where you come from, what language you speak or what religion you are in the Army," he told reporters, when asked to comment on reports that a high-level official committee had sought information about the number of Muslims in armed forces.

"Our recruitment system is based on merit and ability of personnel to perform various duties efficiently and effectively. Everyone is given a fair chance to serve in the armed forces," he said.