Kashmiri

Two decades ago, Kashmiri houseboat-owners rubbed their hands every spring at the prospect of the annual influx of tourists . From May to October, the hyacinth-choked waters of Dal Lake saw flotillas of vividly painted Shikaras carrying Indian families, boho westerners, young travelers and wide-eyed Japanese. Carpet-sellers honed their skills, as did purveyors of anything remotely embroidered while the house boats initiated by the British Raj provided unusual accommodation. Any foreigners venturing there risked their lives , proved in 1995 when five young Europeans were kidnapped and murdered.