Ahmedabad tourist recounts horror during ziplining in Pahalgam as terrorists opened fire

Rishi Bhatt, a tourist from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, vecounted the harrowing experience that shook his family and other visitors on April 22 in Kashmir's Pahalgam.

Bhatt explained that he was mid-air on the zipline when the gunfire erupted. "I did not realise it for nearly 20 seconds," he said. "Suddenly, I noticed people on the ground being shot, and I witnessed five to six individuals getting hit."

Detailing the moments before the ambush, Bhatt mentioned that the zipline operator uttered "Allahu Akbar" thrice, right before the firing commenced — a detail that raised his suspicions about the operator's possible involvement. According to Bhatt, two families ahead of him were reportedly asked their religion before their male members were brutally shot in front of onlookers, including his wife and son.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Bhatt acted swiftly — unlatching his safety belt, leaping down, and rushing to safeguard his wife and son. They eventually hid in a concealed pit-like area with other terrified tourists. After an intense 8-10 minutes of continuous firing, a temporary lull allowed them to make a desperate dash toward the main gate.

However, the ordeal was far from over. As they fled, another round of gunfire erupted, resulting in several more casualties. Bhatt reported witnessing 15-16 tourists being shot in front of him.

Upon reaching the gate, they found the local population had largely deserted the area. A pony guide eventually helped them flee, leading them toward Indian Army personnel, who had by then moved swiftly to secure Pahalgam. Bhatt expressed deep gratitude toward the Army, highlighting that within 18-20 minutes of their arrival, they had secured all tourists and neutralized threats in the vicinity.

Rishi Bhatt further pointed out that although Army presence was extensive in the lower regions and the forests, there was an alarming absence of military personnel at the main ziplining site, where only Jammu & Kashmir Police officers and three private security guards were stationed.