Pahalgam attack: PDP Spokesperson Mohammad Iqbal Trumboo has come out in defence of the zipline operator who chanted “Allahu Akbar” thrice moments before the gunshots were faintly heard in the background of a video of the Pahalgam terror attack accidentally captured by a tourist from Ahmedabad. He said that every Kashmiri chants Allahu Akbar at the slightest inconvenience, and that it has nothing to do with militancy. This, as per him, is being done to hide the failure. 

“Again, very unfortunate. They don’t know about the culture over here,” Trumboo told ANI.  

He added, “Whenever there is a disaster, every Kashmiri says Allahu Akbar. At the time of any incident, we remember Allah. Everything is being done to hide the failure… Police and security will have to change their system. They will have to be very precise.

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“This has nothing to do with militancy and the common Kashmiri would always cry out loud, Bismillah, Allahu Akbar if something happens…They are misinformed about everything…,” he further said. 

Pahalgam terror attack: What does the viral video show?

The video opens to show Rishi Bhatt preparing to zipline across the scenic Valley. As the video goes on, he can be seen enjoying the ride with a smile on his face, unaware of what’s happening, even as distant gunfire can be faintly heard. Moments later, the video captures a person collapsing after being shot. Throughout the video, Bhatt remains oblivious to the fact that a terror attack is underway below him.

Trigger Warning: The below video contains distressing scenes that may be upsetting. Viewer discretion is advised.

Talking to ANI about the video that he accidentally captured, Bhatt said that around nine people ziplined before him, but the operator did not say anything. “When I was sliding, he said ‘Allahu Akbar’ thrice and then the firing started… I have my suspicions about that man. He looked like a regular Kashmiri,” Bhatt claimed.

He added, “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.”

Eyewitnesses reported that the terrorists separated tourists based on gender and religion before asking the men to recite the ‘kalma’. Those who failed were executed at point-blank range.

Following the attack, the Centre has said that the “terrorists and the conspirators behind the dastardly attack” will face “harsh punishment”.

India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 with Pakistan until Islamabad ceases its support for cross-border terrorism. Additionally, the integrated Attari check post has been closed, and all visa categories for Pakistani citizens – except long-term, diplomatic, and official visas – have been revoked effective April 27. Pakistan has mirrored India’s move, cancelling visas of Indian nationals.