'Common Cultural Expression, Not a Terror Link': PDP Leader Defends Zipline Operator Heard Saying 'Allahu Akbar' During Pahalgam Attack

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:

#WATCH | Srinagar, J&K: On a Zipline operator saying "Allahu Akbar" in a video during #PahalgamTerroristAttack, PDP Spokesperson Mohammad Iqbal Trumboo says, "They don't know anything about our culture. Whenever there is a disaster, every Kashmiri says Allahu Akbar. At the time… pic.twitter.com/sEIuzcCBtW

— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2025

‘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 noted that the zipline operator uttered the phrase “Allahu Akbar” thrice before his turn, though not during the rides of other tourists. 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.