A stunning video from Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam has surfaced on social media, adding to the outrage and criticism after last week’s terror attack that killed 26 people. The video, posted by user Vikas (@vikasg26) on X (formerly Twitter), depicts a local continuing a tourist ride even as gunshots echo in the distance, seemingly unaware of the surrounding violence.
The clip reveals the spine-chilling moments of gunshots echoing in the backdrop. Shockingly, the service provider, known to be the local, chanted “Allah-o-Akbar” while the sounds of the shot reverberate, with no visible hurry in shifting the tourist to safety. The scene stunned netizens and observers alike and has been labelled by many as a stark “eye-opener” regarding threats to tourists at the Valley.
This is really shocker and Eye opener. Local kept tourist ride going while gunshots rang out, chanting “Allah-o-Akbar” as people were shot nearby. He knew exactly what was happening but showed no concern for the tourist’s life. This is the real face behind the false beauty of… pic.twitter.com/gmMtdIMeIQ
— Vikas (@vikasg26) April 28, 2025
“This is a real shocker and an eye-opener,” Vikas commented while posting the video. “He was fully aware of what was going on but cared nothing for the life of the tourist. This is the true face behind the fake beauty of Kashmir,” he claimed.
Investigation Underway, Authorities Urge Caution
The video’s genuineness and the identity of the local depicted in it are yet to be independently confirmed by authorities. Yet, its dissemination has sparked a broader debate about the locals vs. tourists’ trust deficit in a region heavily reliant on tourism for economic livelihood.
Offcials in Jammu and Kashmir have asked people not to jump to conclusions over viral videos. A senior official said that the case is being thoroughly investigated. “Tourists are the backbone of Kashmir’s economy, and any misrepresentation can hurt thousands of livelihoods,” he said.
Rising Tensions After Pahalgam Attack
The Pahalgam attack last week, when two suspected Pakistani militants fired at a group of tourists, has resulted in increased tensions between India and Pakistan. After the attack, Pakistan’s defence minister stated that India could soon undertake military action a statement that has further heightened diplomatic tensions.
Meanwhile, there have been renewed demands within India for enhanced security and greater background checks on service providers in tourist destinations such as Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonmarg.
However, the video has hit a raw national nerve, cementing concerns over whether sufficient measures are being taken to protect tourists in areas of conflict. Officials are likely to make a formal statement once initial findings into the context of the video are established.
