A harrowing video of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley has surfaced on social media, capturing the horrifying moment when terrorists opened fire, killing at least 26 people. The footage, accidentally recorded by a tourist named Rishi Bhatt from Ahmedabad, has sparked widespread outrage and concern. Bhatt, who was ziplining at the time of the attack, claimed that the zipline operator chanted ‘Allahu Akbar’ thrice just before the firing began. The video shows Bhatt preparing to zipline across the scenic valley, initially unaware of the impending danger. As he enjoys the ride, distant gunfire can be faintly heard, and moments later, the video captures a person collapsing after being shot. Throughout the ordeal, Bhatt remains oblivious to the terror attack unfolding below him. Trigger Warning: The video contains distressing scenes that may be upsetting. Viewer discretion is advised.

Another horrific footage of #PahalgamTerroristAttack.

pic.twitter.com/WBqXRaFTHg

— Bharggav Roy 🇮🇳 (@Bharggavroy) April 28, 2025

‘Firing Started After He Said Allahu Akbar’

In an interview with ANI, Bhatt recounted the chilling details of the incident. He mentioned that around nine people had ziplined before him without any unusual occurrences. However, when it was his turn, the operator allegedly chanted ‘Allahu Akbar’ thrice, immediately followed by the sound of gunfire. “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. Bhatt described the terrifying realization that dawned on him about 20 seconds into the attack. “Firing started when I was ziplining… After about 20 seconds, I realized that it was a terrorist attack…and people on the ground are being killed,” he recalled. He quickly detached himself from the zipline after landing and fled with his wife and son. They sought refuge in a pit, hiding alongside other terrified tourists. According to a report by *News18*, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken the zipline operator in for questioning.

‘Terrorists Killed People Based on Religion’

Bhatt further claimed that he witnessed the attackers selectively targeting individuals based on their 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 described the firing as lasting around 10 minutes, with a brief pause before resuming. “15-16 people were shot in front of us. When we reached the gate, we saw that the local public had already left,” he added. Eyewitnesses reported that the terrorists separated tourists based on gender and religion, asking the men to recite the ‘kalma’. Those who failed were executed at point-blank range.

‘Grateful to the Indian Army’

Bhatt expressed his gratitude towards the Indian Army for their swift response. “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. He noted that while the Army was present in lower areas and even in the forest, they were not at the main location of the attack. “There was Jammu & Kashmir Police as well as three security guards…,” he added. Trigger Warning: The following video contains descriptions of violence and trauma that may be upsetting to some readers. Viewer discretion is advised.

#WATCH | #PahalgamTerroristAttack | In a viral video, a tourist was seen ziplining when terrorists suddenly started firing. The tourist from Gujarat's Ahmedabad, Rishi Bhatt, recalls the incident. "...Firing started when I was ziplining...I did not realise this for around 20… pic.twitter.com/TzauoM7kUe

— ANI (@ANI) April 28, 2025

Pahalgam Terror Attack

The terror attack in Pahalgam occurred on April 22 at Baisaran meadow, where terrorists targeted tourists, resulting in the deaths of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepalese citizen, with several others injured. This attack is one of the deadliest in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama attack, which claimed the lives of 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel. In response to the attack, the Centre has vowed 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 reciprocated India’s move, canceling visas of Indian nationals. *(With inputs from ANI)*