In a recent interview with the media, a man named Rishi Bhatt shared what happened on April 22, when terrorists opened fire on tourists in Pahalgam, killing 26 people.
Rishi Bhatt, who captured a video of the moment, was ziplining when the attack began. In the video, he is seen smiling and recording himself while gunshots can be heard in the background. Bhatt said that a zipline operator shouted "Allah-hu-Akbar".
"We were traveling to Kashmir and Pahalgam," Bhatt recalled. He explained that his wife, son, and four others had already crossed the zipline before him. "When they went across, the person did not say 'Allah-hu-Akbar.' But when it was my turn on the zipline, he said it three times and then the firing started," Bhatt said.
Earlier, it was reported that the zipline operator had started shooting, however, there is no such evidence in the video that has gone viral.
After about 15–20 seconds, Bhatt realised that real gunfire had started. "In my video, you can see a man falling down," he said. "That's when I understood something was wrong. I stopped my zipline rope, jumped down from about 15 feet, and ran to my wife and son. I just wanted to save their lives and mine."
Bhatt said they ran toward the forest first, then headed to the parking area, and later escaped to Srinagar for safety.
"I was enjoying my ride," Bhatt said. "But my wife kept shouting, 'Kindly come down, kindly come down.' When I looked down, I understood something terrible was happening. I jumped down and ran."
After escaping, Bhatt discussed the attack with his wife. He said, "Right next to my wife, there were two other couples. The terrorist came, asked them their names and religion, and then shot them. If I hadn't been stuck on the zipline, I might not have survived."
Bhatt described the brutal behavior of the terrorists: "They were asking tourists to recite the Kalma (an Islamic prayer). If someone couldn't, they asked their names and religion — and then shot them." He also said, "I saw about 16–18 people murdered in front of me."
Also Read: 'We were having bhelpuri, when terrorist shot my husband'
Bhatt remembered hiding in a grove for about 15 to 20 minutes while the firing continued. "I stayed hidden until the shooting stopped. After that, I ran away through the forest."
When asked if the terrorists were in uniform, Bhatt explained, "They were dressed like security guards. While running, I saw two real security guards who had been shot and stripped. I think the terrorists stole their clothes."
He also pointed out that when the shooting started, no locals were around. "The locals were the first to run away. No one stayed to help. But honestly, within 18 minutes, the Army arrived and secured the area."
The Pahalgam attack on April 22 was one of the deadliest in the region in years, leaving 26 people dead. The Resistance Front, a group linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility.
In response, India took strong actions against Pakistan, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, expelling Pakistani diplomats, closing the Attari-Wagah border, and ordering Pakistani nationals to leave within a set deadline. The attack also led to widespread protests by Indian communities around the world, with sharp criticism aimed at Pakistan.
Also Read: Pahalgam attack: Survivor's 'save my husband' cry echoed
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