... intercommunal tension between the Hindu majority and the Muslim minority, separatist sentiments in some regions, and socio-economic inequality. Nationalist leadership in Delhi often employs tough rhetoric against Pakistan to bolster patriotic sentiment and divert ... ... as the guarantor of security and survival against the Indian threat. In the eyes of a significant portion of the population (socialized on patriotic and Islamic values), generals are seen as the nation's custodians, and criticizing the military is tantamount ...