Zipline operator’s ‘Allahu Akbar’ chant lands him in trouble; NIA calls it a ‘natural reaction’

A common chant by Muslims before undertaking any task—such as 'Bismillah' or 'Allahu Akbar'—put a zipline operator working in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, under suspicion after a viral video showed him reciting 'Allahu Akbar' thrice just before sending a tourist down the zipline, shortly after terrorists opened fire on tourists in the Baisaran meadows.

Muzammil is reportedly in custody and is being interrogated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to determine his possible link with the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.

The video, which lasts 53 seconds, was recorded by a tourist identified as Rishi Bhatt from Gujarat while he was enjoying a zipline ride. The footage shows the zipline operator, allegedly appearing tense and pensive as gunshots are heard in the background.

Just before releasing the tourist on the ride, Muzammil is heard chanting “Allahu Akbar” thrice. The video went viral across various social media platforms, prompting swift attention from authorities.

Following the video’s circulation, NIA officials questioned Muzammil to assess any potential link to the terrorist activity. His chant, occurring immediately before gunfire is heard in the video, drew suspicion and triggered an online discourse about intent and religious expression. Muzammil was reportedly taken into custody by police shortly after returning home, although no charges have been confirmed against him as of now.

Family members of the zipline operator have expressed distress over his detention and insisted that the chant was not linked to the attack. They claimed that the phrase “Allahu Akbar” is commonly used by Muslims in moments of fear, shock, or when beginning any task, including in ordinary or even hazardous situations. They contended that the reaction was spontaneous and grounded in religious tradition rather than any malicious intent.

The tourist who recorded the video, suggested that firing began shortly after the operator chanted the phrase. The tourist further alleged that terrorists had attacked families just before his ride, sparing him only because he was suspended on the zipline at the time.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) criticised the interrogation and asserted that the phrase was used as a reflexive spiritual response to danger. Party representatives argued that invoking religious phrases during distress is not unusual in Kashmir and should not be interpreted as a signal of militancy. They further claimed that such reactions are culturally ingrained and reflect long-standing traditions in the Valley.

NIA sources reportedly clarified that the chant appeared to be a natural reaction to the unfolding violence, likening it to spontaneous religious utterances like ‘Hey Ram’ made by Hindus during crises. Investigators suggested that the operator’s actions did not show any intent to support the attackers.