PTI
SRINAGAR, Apr 29: The father of a zip line operator who is under investigation for chanting “Allahu Akbar” during the recent terror attack in Pahalgam has defended his son, saying the phrase is a common religious invocation used by Muslims in everyday situations and is being misinterpreted.
The incident came to light after a tourist from Ahmedabad inadvertently recorded the April 22 terror attack while on a zip line ride. The 53-second video, which has since gone viral on social media, captured the moment gunfire erupted, killing 26 people. In the footage, the zip line operator, identified as Muzammil, is heard saying “Allahu Akbar” three times after the first shots were fired.
Speaking to PTI, Muzammil’s father said, “I haven’t seen the video. He came home yesterday, but later the police arrived and took him away. We are Muslims, and we say Allahu Akbar when a storm comes, when we begin a task, or when we are frightened. What is wrong with that?”
The family expressed concern over what they described as unnecessary scrutiny being placed on a religious phrase that holds spiritual significance for Muslims and is used in a variety of contexts—joy, fear, or as a call to remembrance of God.
As of now, there has been no official statement from the investigating agencies regarding Muzammil’s role beyond his presence at the scene.
