That Kashmir area is pretty rough from what I've read...but I see that you've specified the India part, so I assume you've done much more detailed study on the region than I have. Have you read about steripens? They look pretty handy...small and can purify water in less than a min if I recall correctly.
No I dont know of steripens. I will look it up.
Indian Kashmir has soldiers outposted about every 100 meters.
It should be safe. How could I go to that neck of the woods and not ride the highest roadway on the planet?