A chilling account has emerged from the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, where a tourist from Gujarat, Rishi Bhatt, claimed that a zipline operator shouted “Allahu Akbar” three times moments before gunfire erupted, killing 26 people at the scenic Baisaran meadow.
The incident occurred on April 22, during a busy tourist day. Bhatt, who was visiting with his family, had been ziplining when the attack unfolded. He captured a video during his ride, in which the sound of gunshots can be heard in the background. The clip has since gone viral on social media.
Speaking to ANI, Bhatt expressed suspicion over the zipline operator’s behavior. “Nine people ziplined before me and he didn’t say anything. But when it was my turn, he shouted ‘Allahu Akbar’ three times and then the firing began,” Bhatt said. “He looked like a regular Kashmiri man, but I had my doubts.”
Bhatt recalled realizing the severity of the situation moments after the firing began. “I saw people being shot while I was ziplining. I immediately detached myself from the zipline, grabbed my wife and son, and ran. We hid in a pit-like area along with other tourists,” he said.
The attack, according to Bhatt, was targeted and brutal. He claimed the attackers were asking some people their religion before shooting them. “Men from two families ahead of us were asked their religion and shot dead right in front of us. My wife and son were screaming,” he recounted.
The shooting reportedly lasted for 8–10 minutes, paused briefly, and then resumed, with several more people being hit. Bhatt estimated that around 15–16 tourists were shot in front of his eyes.
Bhatt credited the Indian Army with preventing further casualties. “They reached within 20–25 minutes and gave us cover. We felt safe once they arrived. I’m extremely thankful to the Indian Army,” he added.
The terror attack resulted in the deaths of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepalese citizen. It is being considered the deadliest assault in the region since the 2019 Pulwama attack.
In response, the Indian government has vowed strict action against the perpetrators and their supporters. Measures taken include the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, closure of the Attari border check post, and the revocation of most visa categories for Pakistani nationals as of April 27.
