1995 kidnapping of western tourists in Kashmir

The 1995 kidnapping of Western tourists in Kashmir refers to the abduction of a group of foreigners, primarily tourists from the United Kingdom and the United States, by militants in the conflict-ridden region of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The incident occurred against the backdrop of ongoing insurgency and heightened tensions in the area, which had been plagued by violence since the late 1980s. On July 4, 1995, armed militants stormed a popular trekking group in the Pahalgam area, taking several tourists hostage. The incident garnered international attention, prompting diplomatic efforts for their release. Eventually, the hostages were freed after negotiations; however, this event underscored the risks faced by travelers in conflict zones and highlighted the challenges of security in Kashmir during a period marked by separatist violence.