THIS is the staggering moment a smiling tourist ziplined over the scene of a bloody terror attack, accidentally documenting the horror.
Gunmen mowed down 36 people – killing 26 – in Kashmir, India last week, but this adventurer was blissfully unaware.
Rishi Bhatt recorded himself soaring over the Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam, northern India, last Tuesday, while fellow tourists were murdered below.
Decked out in sunnies and a safety hat, the holidaymaker beams as he is fitted to the zip line by instructors.
A large grassy plain filled with people comes into view as he spins and sails through the air.
Tourists stand in clusters around the field sharing food, playing sports and even zorbing.
But then – halfway through the ride – gunshots ring out and punctuate the peace.
Terrified families sprint across the grass in a desperate attempt to flee the bloodbath.
Rishi continues smiling into the camera, unaware that gunmen have leapt from the bushes and opened fire beneath him.
He told local media that he could have been killed if he were not on out of harm’s way on the zip line.
Police said at least four gunmen fired at dozens of terrified tourists from close range.
Officers described the mass shooting as a “terror attack” and blamed it on Pakistani militants.
They said two Pakistani “terrorists” have been identified and a manhunt is underway to find them.
Pakistan has denied any involvement.
Officials collected at least 26 bodies in the Baisaran meadow, just 5km from the disputed resort town of Pahalgam.
A witness who observed the tragedy unfold reported, “I am unable to determine the exact number, but the insurgents emerged from the woods near a small clearing and initiated gunfire.”
The individual, who supplies ponies for visitors, described the gunshots as being akin to a storm and mentioned that the assailants “selectively spared women while continuously targeting men”.
The episode plunged relations between the neighbouring nations to new lows, with Pakistan banning Indian planes from its airspace.
And tensions have spiralled further over the past week – including opposing soldiers firing on each other – prompting fears of all-out war.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the shooting as a “shocking deed” and pledged that the perpetrators “will face consequences” after truncating his trip to Saudi Arabia to come back to India.
The killings coincided with US Vice President JD Vance arriving for his four-day visit to India.
Calling the attack “devastating,” he added on social media: “Over the past few days, we have been overcome with the beauty of this country and its people.
Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack.”
US President Donald Trump also noted the “deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir”.
He said: “The United States stands strong with India against terrorism.
“We pray for the souls of those lost, and for the recovery of the injured.
“Prime Minister Modi, and the incredible people of India, have our full support and deepest sympathies.”
