Pahalgam zipline operator’s ‘Allahu Akbar’ chant: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has interrogated a zipline operator named Muzammil, after a video surfaced showing him chanting “Allahu Akbar” during the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 people. The video, recorded by tourist Rishi Bhatt, quickly went viral on social media, triggering a wave of speculation over the operator’s possible involvement.
In the video, Muzammil is heard chanting “Allahu Akbar” three times as gunshots echoed across the Baisaran Valley, moments before the deadly shooting began. According to the tourist, the chants were followed immediately by the first burst of firing, raising suspicion over whether the operator was attempting to signal the attackers.
However, the India Today TV reported that according to NIA sources, initial questioning revealed no direct link between Muzammil and the terrorists. “It is common for individuals to invoke God in moments of fear or shock. The phrase ‘Allahu Akbar’ in this context appears no different from a Hindu saying ‘Hey Ram’ in panic,” a senior official explained.
Operator’s Statements Raise Fresh Questions
Despite the initial clearance, inconsistencies emerged during the interrogation. Investigators questioned why Muzammil released Rishi Bhatt on the zipline after firing had already started in the area. His responses reportedly changed under repeated questioning.
The NIA has not ruled out the possibility of indirect coordination or pre-attack awareness and is examining all available forensic, digital, and behavioral evidence.
PDP Defends Zipline Operator
The video has fueled polarised commentary online, with some accusing the operator of being a militant sympathiser. However, political leaders and local voices have pushed back against this narrative.
“They don’t understand our culture. It’s normal for Kashmiris to remember Allah in any moment of fear or disaster,” said Mohammad Iqbal Trumboo, spokesperson of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
ALSO READ: WATCH: Pahalgam zipline operator’s ‘Allahu Akbar’ chant makes netizens ask ‘was he involved?’ NIA summons him for questioning
Trumboo emphasized that invocations such as ‘Allahu Akbar’ or ‘Bismillah’ are religiously rooted reactions in times of distress and should not be equated with support for terrorism.
“Everything is being done to hide the failure of the system. This chant has nothing to do with militancy. Security forces must re-evaluate their protocols rather than suspecting common Kashmiris,” he added.
Pahalgam Attack Fallout
The April 22 attack at Baisaran meadows has triggered a massive security crackdown across Jammu and Kashmir. Anti-terror operations have intensified in southern districts like Anantnag, Pulwama, and Shopian, and nearly 50 tourist destinations and public parks have been closed to prevent further attacks.
While the Resistance Front (TRF) initially claimed responsibility for the killings, it later retracted its statement, raising suspicions of ISI-backed coordination with Pakistani terror groups.
The NIA, which is leading the probe, has already recreated the crime scene, detained multiple suspects, and is analyzing all on-site footage, including Bhatt’s viral video.
