Zipline Operator, Who Chanted 'Allahu Akbar', Had No Prior Knowledge Of Attack, Fled In Fear: Brother
A tourist-shot video showing a zipline operator chanting "Allahu Akbar" moments before gunfire erupted in Pahalgam, resulting in 26 deaths, has gone viral, triggering an investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
The zipline operator, identified as Muzammil, was summoned by the NIA for questioning after the video surfaced. His chant, which was captured in the tourist video, coincided with the start of the April 22 massacre, has sparked widespread speculation and online debate.
The video posted by a Gujarati tourist recounted the incident which the zipline operator said "Allahu Akbar" immediately after which firing began. He said that before he got on the zipline, his wife, son, and four others had already crossed to safety.
He further said that before starting the ziplining, the operator did not say "Allahu Akbar" but claimed that when he was on the zipline, the operator shouted it three times, and shortly after, firing began.
Zipline Operator's Brother Strongly Defended Him
In response, Muzammil’s brother, Mukhtar, strongly defended him, insisting he had no foreknowledge of the attack and fled the scene in fear once the violence broke out.
"My brother came straight home out of fear," Mukhtar told India Today. "He realised there was some problem [there], he told me he did not know fully how the terrorist attack took place there. He got out of there quickly and ran away because he himself did not know what was going on,” he added.
Mukhtar emphasised that when the incident unfolded, his brother was unaware of the violence, adding that even Muzammil could not explain why he chanted "Allahu Akbar" while operating the zipline.
Indicating the viral video, Mukhtar also said that his brother was doing his work as usual, and even tourists taking the ride also appeared relaxed. "When he saw the gunmen shooting, he too ran away, like everyone else," Mukhtar added.
Mukhtar stated that Muzammil was first questioned by authorities on April 23, a day after the Pahalgam attack. He was among several locals at the site, such as pony operators and food stall vendors, who were interrogated and subsequently released.
The incident has taken an emotional toll on their family, which includes their parents, four brothers, and two sisters. Mukhtar mentioned that Muzammil had been working in Baisaran for the past three to four years. However, after the video surfaced, he was taken into custody once more.
"Yesterday, the police came and took him away. I went to see him, took him some food, but wasn’t not allowed to speak with him. Today, the NIA is questioning him. We don’t know what is happening to him," Mukhtar further added.
Natural To Say 'Allah hu Akbar': Sources
Meanwhile, NIA sources indicated to India Today TV that it is natural to say 'Allah hu Akbar' in reaction to something shocking or sudden, because it is the same as Hindus saying 'Hey Ram'. Further sources added that the primary interrogation didn't show Muzammil's direct involvement in the attack.
However, sources revealed that the zipline operator altered his account when questioned about why he let Rishi Bhatt go on the zipline even after the gunfire had begun.
In addition, People's Democratic Party (PDP) spokesperson Mohammad Iqbal Trumboo told ANI that it is customary for Kashmiris to invoke Allah during moments of crisis like this.
"They don't know anything about our culture. 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... 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 said.
Now handling the probe, the NIA is reconstructing the crime scene, gathering forensic evidence, and recording witness statements to uncover the broader terror plot.
The attack was carried out by a group of terrorists, killing male tourists who were enjoying their holiday with their families, including young children and parents, at the Baisaran meadow, which is considered 'Mini Switzerland' for its serene beauty in Jammu and Kashmir.
The atrocity of the incident was captured by survivors, which was posted on their respective social media platforms, revealing the chilling moments of one of the worst terror attacks on civilians in the state.
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