Tourist Captures Unexpectedly Violent Footage From Kashmir Zipline

Finger touching phone with red warning symbol.

A tourist ziplining in Kashmir became an unwitting witness to a mass shooting that has pushed India and Pakistan to the brink of war.

Key Insights

Tourist Rishi Bhatt unintentionally captured footage of a terrorist attack while ziplining in Pahalgam, Kashmir, that killed 26 people, mostly Hindu tourists
The Resistance Front, linked to a banned Pakistani terror group, initially claimed responsibility before retracting
India has detained approximately 500 people, conducted military drills, and suspended a water treaty with Pakistan in response
Pakistan has denied involvement, closed its airspace to Indian airlines, and warned that any water diversion would be considered an “act of war”
The international community, including the UN and US, has condemned the attack and called for restraint between the nuclear-armed nations

Tourist’s Zipline Video Reveals Deadly Attack

Rishi Bhatt from Ahmedabad was enjoying what should have been a thrilling zipline adventure above Kashmir’s scenic Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam on April 22. Using a selfie stick to document his experience, Bhatt had no idea he was recording a terrorist attack unfolding below. The gravity of the situation became apparent only after he completed his ride and witnessed the chaos engulfing the area known as “mini Switzerland” for its natural beauty.

The footage captured by Bhatt shows militants launching an assault that claimed 26 lives, with Hindu tourists specifically targeted. Reports indicate the attackers identified victims by demanding they recite Islamic prayers. Following the attack, Bhatt and his family were forced to hide in a pit to avoid detection by the terrorists. The video has since become crucial evidence in investigations conducted by Indian authorities.

#PahalgamTerroristAttack | Tourist Recounts Horrific Incident as Zipline Operator Said ‘Allahu Akbar’ Thrice Before Firing Started!

A shocking viral video shows a tourist ziplining when terrorists suddenly open fire. Rishi Bhatt, a tourist from Ahmedabad, recounts the terrifying… https://t.co/7pNcQSyUdG pic.twitter.com/oesql0zpB1

— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) April 28, 2025

Mounting Tensions Between Nuclear Powers

The attack has severely escalated tensions between India and Pakistan, with Indian authorities attributing the attack to Pakistani assailants. The Resistance Front (TRF), linked to a banned Pakistani terror organization, initially claimed responsibility before backtracking. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to track down and punish the terrorists and their supporters, leading to the detention of approximately 500 individuals and the demolition of several houses in search operations.

“We have reinforced our forces because (an incursion) is something which is imminent now. In that situation some strategic decisions have to be taken, so those decisions have been taken,” said Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif.

India has responded with decisive military actions, including naval drills and missile tests. In a significant diplomatic escalation, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a long-standing agreement governing water sharing between the two nations. Additionally, India has downgraded diplomatic relations with Pakistan and revoked visa services for Pakistani nationals, demonstrating the severity of the situation.

A tourist on a zipline captured the moment militants carried out the Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 people in Indian-administered Kashmir. pic.twitter.com/Do4G3xB90G

— Radar Africa (@radarafricacom) April 29, 2025

Pakistan’s Response and Global Concerns

Pakistan has vehemently denied any involvement in the attack but has taken defensive measures in anticipation of potential conflict. The country has closed its airspace to Indian airlines and mobilized its military forces along the border. Pakistani officials have issued stark warnings regarding India’s suspension of the water treaty, with representatives declaring any water diversion would constitute an “act of war” that would warrant retaliation.

Hanif Abbasi, Pakistan’s railway minister, said, “These ballistic missiles, all of them are targeted at you.”

The international community has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation. The United Nations and several world powers have condemned the terrorist attack while urging both nations to exercise restraint. The United States has publicly declared its support for India, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating, “The United States stands with India.” Other global leaders have similarly expressed solidarity with India while emphasizing the importance of avoiding further escalation between the nuclear-armed neighbors.

Investigation Developments

Indian authorities have intensified their investigation, with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Jammu & Kashmir Police summoning the zipline operator featured in Bhatt’s viral video. This development suggests authorities are examining all aspects of the attack, including whether there may have been local assistance provided to the terrorists. The investigation continues as India seeks to dismantle any network that facilitated the deadly assault.

As the region remains on high alert, the inadvertent video evidence captured during a tourist’s leisure activity has become a critical piece in understanding one of the most serious terrorist attacks in Kashmir in recent times. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent security challenges in the disputed territory and the fragile nature of India-Pakistan relations that continue to impact regional stability.