In light of the ongoing military escalation between India and Pakistan, addressing the enduring violence in Kashmir requires a dual strategy. Both countries should adopt initiatives focused on economic development and youth engagement and pair it with efforts to rebuild trust in governance and democratic institutions. On 22 April 2025, Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam in India witnessed a deadly terrorist attack that left 26 dead and over 20 injured. The assailants reportedly targeted victims based on their non-Muslim religious identity, asking them to recite Kalma and checking for circumcision before executing them at close range. Among the dead were newlywed military officers, a Christian bank manager, and a local Muslim pony handler who tried to protect the tourists from the attackers.