1. Context and Background Location and Timing : The attack occurred at 14:50 on April 22, 2025, in Baisaran Valley, a remote meadow 5 km from Pahalgam, accessible only by foot or pony. Known as “mini Switzerland,” it was crowded with tourists due to favorable weather after days of rain. In 2024, Kashmir saw 35 lakh visitors, including 43,000 foreigners, reflecting a tourism boom. Political Context : Jammu and Kashmir has faced an insurgency since 1989, driven by separatist groups seeking independence or merger with Pakistan. Violence dropped significantly after India revoked the region’s special status in 2019, splitting it into two union territories (Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh). The 2019 move allowed non-residents to buy land and secure jobs, issuing 83,000 domicile certificates by April 2025, sparking local resentment. Recent Trends : The attack is the deadliest since the 2019 Pulwama bombing (40 CRPF personnel killed) and the first major civilian-targeted assault since 2019. A Ma...