A peaceful holiday in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam turned into a nightmare for tourists when terrorists opened fire at the popular Baisaran meadow on April 22, killing 26 people, most of them visitors from other states. One tourist, Rishi Bhatt, narrowly escaped the attack as he was mid-air on a zipline ride when the shooting began. His chilling account, and a video he captured, reveal the terrifying moments as chaos erupted below him.
Bhatt, who was enjoying his ride over the scenic valley, recalled that just before he was sent down the zipline, the operator shouted “Allahu Akbar.” Seconds later, gunshots rang out, sending tourists running for cover. In the 53-second video he recorded, visitors can be seen fleeing in panic, with gunfire echoing in the background. One person even collapsed while trying to escape, highlighting the terror on the ground.
Over 100 tourists were present in the meadow at the time. According to eyewitnesses, the assailants appeared to target people based on their religion. Survivors stated that the attackers asked male tourists to recite the ‘kalma’ — a declaration of Islamic faith. Those who couldn’t were reportedly shot dead on the spot. The brutal nature of the attack has left both locals and holidaymakers in shock.
The zipline operator mentioned by Bhatt has reportedly been detained by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for questioning. While it’s unclear if there was any direct involvement, the sequence of events has raised serious concerns about possible inside help or planted operatives at tourist sites. Investigators are exploring all leads in what is being seen as one of the deadliest attacks in the region in recent years.
The incident took place in Baisaran, a lush meadow nestled in the upper reaches of Pahalgam in the Anantnag district. Known for its scenic beauty and adventure activities, the site attracts hundreds of tourists daily. But that day, the tranquil landscape was shattered by violence as terrorists turned it into a killing field. Many visitors, including families, had gathered for leisure and outdoor fun when the shooting began without warning, plunging the entire area into panic.
