Kashmir gang's hostages are 'fine'
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
New Delhi - An Indian official yesterday spoke by radio to one of the four Western tourists held hostage for over seven weeks by Kashmir rebels, writes Tim McGirk. This is the first real proof that they are still alive.
The Indian negotiator, Rajender Tikkoo, spoke to the American hostage, Donald Hutchings. He said he and the other hostages, including two Britons, were "safe and fine". India and Western diplomats had demanded evidence that the four hostages were still alive before considering the kidnappers' demands to exchange the Westerners for 15 jailed Kashmir militants. One police official doubted that the hostages' release would be soon. "It will take three or four days of decision-making in New Delhi and of negotiations at the very least before they are freed," he said.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments