Attack Was Preplanned by Terrorists
Investigations showed that the terror attack at Bysaran Valley in Pahalgam was a result of meticulous planning. The authorities have found that the terrorists had earlier planned to carry out the attack on the valley in the first week of April. They had come back again later to finalize their plans. Security agencies are now scanning the CCTV footage at different hotels in order to trace their movements.
Bad Weather Held Up the Attack
The attack was initially planned for two days prior to April 22. On April 20, heavy rains compelled the attackers to delay their operation. Because of the inclement weather, most tourists postponed their visits to Pahalgam. After the weather cleared, around 5,000 tourists came to Bysaran Valley on the day of the attack, said Rauf Wani, a horse riding operator in the region.
Attack Carried Out with Targeted Shooting
Two terrorists on April 22 waited at a food stall in Bysaran Valley. They watched the increasing number of tourists before striking. Having confirmed that the crowd had increased, they went into nearby shops, asked visitors what religion they were, and then shot four people. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) believes the attackers targeted the victims' heads specifically instead of firing indiscriminately. Investigators are also checking if the terrorists waited for a specific signal at the food stall.
Zipline Operator Under Investigation
The NIA has summoned a zipline operator from Bysaran Valley for questioning. The operator’s behavior during the attack raised suspicions. Reports suggest that as visitor Rishi Bhatt boarded the zipline, the operator allegedly shouted ‘Allahu Akbar’ and sent him off towards the area where the attack unfolded. Rishi, oblivious to the situation, filmed a selfie video while riding on the zipline. The video recorded the incident without him noticing the danger underneath. The operator is now subject to further inquiry.
Eyewitness Account: Rishi Bhatt's Experience
In an interview with a British news agency, Rishi Bhatt described the horrific experience. He said his wife, son, and four others had ridden the zipline safely before him. As he got on, Rishi heard shouting and, 15–20 seconds into his journey, knew that an actual shooting was going on. He halted the zipline at around 15 feet from the ground, jumped down, and promptly assembled his family. They concealed themselves nearby to prevent being shot.
Rishi says, according to him, before his escape, terrorists interrogated a few individuals regarding their religion and then killed them. Once the firing stopped, Rishi reached the gate of the field and found that locals had already vacated. Security forces reached there in 25 minutes to seal off the area.
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