Srinagar, June 5 -- For much of her life, Sameera viewed the banks of the Jhelum as a refuge.

One evening recently, after a demanding day at work, she headed toward the river that winds through Srinagar. The air felt cool, and the water moved calmly beneath the bridges. A bench overlooking the river seemed like the right place to stop before returning home.

She sat for a few moments and watched the fading light settle over the city.

Then a car pulled up nearby.

A man inside looked toward her and motioned for her to get into the vehicle.

Sameera initially assumed some mistake had occurred. The stranger remained there, staring and smiling. Within seconds, she understood that the encounter had a different meaning. She stood up and start...