A deeply disturbing video of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley is all over social media and shows the chilling moment terrorists opened fire, killing at least 26 people. The footage was accidentally recorded by a man who was ziplining when the attack began. Rishi Bhatt from Ahmedabad has claimed that the zipline operator said ‘Allahu Akbar’ thrice just before the firing started. 

The video opens to show 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.

‘Firing started after he said Allahu Akbar’

Talking to ANI about the video that he accidentally captured, he 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.

“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,” Bhatt recalled.

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He said that he quickly detached himself from the zipline after he landed and fled with his wife and son. “We saw people hiding at a spot which was like a pit, so you could not spot someone easily there. We too hid there,” he added.

According to a report by News18, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken the zipline operator in for questioning. “My son is very afraid. Chants Allahu Akbar even if a storm comes,” claims the father of the zipline operator, as per CNN-News18.

‘Terrorists killed people based on religion’

Bhatt, who was hiding in a pit, further claimed that he witnessed attackers selectively killing based on religious 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,” Bhatt said.

He also said that the firing lasted around 10 minutes, only to resume after a brief pause. “15-16 people were shot in front of us. When we reached the gate, we saw that the local public had already left,” he said. 

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.

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‘Grateful to the Indian Army’

“Army covered Pahalgam within 20-25 minutes. They gave cover to all the tourists within 18-20 minutes… We felt safe once the Army gave us cover. I am grateful to the Indian Army,” he said. 

Bhatt also said that the Army was everywhere in “lower areas, even in the forest”, but not at the main location. “There was Jammu & Kashmir Police as well as three security guards…,” he added. 

Trigger Warning: The below video contains descriptions of violence and trauma that may be upsetting to some readers. Viewer discretion is advised.

Pahalgam Terror Attack

The terror attack in Pahalgam occurred on April 22 at Baisaran meadow, where terrorists targeted tourists, killing 25 Indian nationals from across the country and one Nepalese citizen, leaving several others injured. It was one of the deadliest attacks in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama attack, which claimed the lives of 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel.

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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.

(With inputs from ANI)