News Brief
Pahalgam Terror Attack: Survivor Alleges Zipline Operator Said 'Allahu Akbar' Thrice As Firing Began On Tourists
Snapshot from survivor's video (Credit: @kathiyawadiii/X)
Ahmedabad tourist Rishi Bhatt, who survived the 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam’s Baisaran meadow, has alleged that a zipline operator shouted "Allahu Akbar" three times moments after gunfire erupted, resulting in the deaths of 26 tourists.
Bhatt, who recorded a video during his ziplining experience which has now gone viral on social media, spoke to ANI after his return to Ahmedabad.
"Nine people ziplined before me, but the operator did not utter a word. When I was sliding, he spoke, and then the firing started. So, I have my suspicions about that man. He said 'Allahu Akbar' thrice and then the firing started...He looked like a regular Kashmiri," Bhatt claimed.
In the viral video, Bhatt is seen ziplining when gunfire echoes across the valley.
"Firing started when I was ziplining... After about 20 seconds, I realised that it was a terrorist attack...and people on the ground are being killed," he recalled. Bhatt stated that he witnessed "five-six people getting shot".
"I unlatched my belt and jumped down, took my wife and son and started running away. We saw people hiding at a spot that was like a pit, so you could not spot someone easily there. We too hid there," he said.
Disturbingly, Bhatt recounted how the attackers targeted individuals based on their identity. "I found out that men in two families ahead of us were asked their religion and shot in front of my wife and son. My wife and son were screaming," he said.
According to Bhatt, the firing lasted 8-10 minutes before a brief pause, then resumed, claiming more lives. "The firing started again and four-five people were shot. 15-16 tourists were shot in front of us," he added.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Jammu and Kashmir Police have summoned the zipline operator for questioning. Sources confirm that all individuals present at the time have been called in for interviews.
