Srinagar: A video, reportedly from the day of the Pahalgam terror attack, has triggered widespread speculation and outrage on social media. In the viral clip, shared by a tourist, a zipline operator could be heard saying “Allahu Akbar” moments before gunfire erupted at the scene.
Reacting to the video, PDP spokesperson Mohammad Iqbal Trumboo dismissed the allegations linking the operator to the attackers, calling it a "gross misinterpretation of Kashmiri cultural norms."
Have a look at his entire statement here:
‘Allahu Akbar’ Misunderstood, Says PDP
In a statement given to ANI, Trumboo clarified that the use of religious expressions like “Allahu Akbar” is deeply embedded in Kashmiri culture, especially during moments of stress or uncertainty. “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,” he said, emphasising that such phrases are reflexive and not connected to militancy.
The PDP leader further added that attempts to paint the zipline worker as complicit in the attack were “misinformed and malicious.” “This has nothing to do with militancy. The common Kashmiri would always cry out loud, Bismillah, Allahu Akbar if something happens," he added.
Video Sparks Online Speculation
The viral video was recorded by Rishi Bhat, a tourist from Ahmedabad, who, in an interview with Times Now, claimed that the zipline operator uttered the phrase “Allahu Akbar” thrice before his turn, and looked left and right, shortly before the firing started. He further added that the operator only raised the slogan during his turn.
Social media users reacted to the claims, with many assuming that the operator might have had prior knowledge of the attack. One user speculated, “Looks like the operator knew what was about to happen."
However, some users also argued that the claim is based on coincidence rather than concrete evidence. Trumboo urged the public and media to avoid inflaming tensions based on incomplete information. “Everything is being done to hide the failure… Police and security will have to change their system,” he added, pointing to deeper institutional issues behind the tragic attack that left at least 26 people dead, mostly tourists.
