On April 22, 2025, a devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, claimed the lives of at least 28 people, including tourists and civilians. The attack sent shockwaves across the nation and beyond. In its aftermath, a familiar and increasingly dangerous name resurfaced—The Resistance Front (TRF)—a Pakistan-backed terror group that has taken responsibility for the massacre.
But who exactly is The Resistance Front, and why has it become a recurring threat in Kashmir?
🧨 Who Is The Resistance Front (TRF)?
The Resistance Front (TRF) is a banned militant outfit operating in Jammu and Kashmir, widely believed to be a proxy of the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Formed in 2019, TRF emerged in the aftermath of the revocation of Article 370, aiming to carry out armed resistance under the façade of indigenous militancy.
🔍 TRF’s Role in the Pahalgam Terror Attack
Despite branding itself as a “local resistance group,” intelligence agencies have long flagged TRF as a rebranded version of LeT, designed to mask Pakistan’s direct involvement in cross-border terrorism.
The Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which killed at least 28 civilians—mostly tourists—has been claimed by TRF. Armed militants disguised in police uniforms opened fire at visitors in the Baisaran meadow, in what has become one of the deadliest civilian massacres in Kashmir in recent years.
In a chilling statement released on encrypted channels, TRF said the attack was a response to “demographic changes” in the Kashmir Valley, referring to the settlement of outsiders post-Article 370 abrogation.
🛑 Why TRF Is Banned
In January 2023, the Indian government officially banned The Resistance Front under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The Ministry of Home Affairs labeled TRF as:
- A front organization of LeT
- Responsible for radicalizing youth
- Involved in targeted killings of civilians, journalists, and security personnel
- A threat to national sovereignty and integrity
📜 Modus Operandi and Recruitment
TRF has leveraged encrypted messaging apps and social media platforms to spread propaganda and recruit local Kashmiri youth. Unlike traditional terror groups, TRF focuses on:
- Online radicalization
- Use of hybrid militants (local youth without prior records)
- Targeted assassinations instead of large-scale confrontations
Their anonymity, tech-savviness, and ability to blend in with the civilian population make them especially dangerous.
🛡️ Government Response and Crackdown
Following the Pahalgam attack, security forces have intensified operations across south Kashmir. Sketches of the suspects have been released, and a massive manhunt is underway.
Home Minister Amit Shah has vowed a “fitting and irreversible response.”
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has also stepped in, coordinating with J&K Police and the Indian Army to dismantle the network and prevent further attacks.
🌍 International Condemnation
Global powers including the United States, Russia, and the United Nations have condemned the Pahalgam massacre, urging Pakistan to dismantle terror sanctuaries and cut off support to groups like TRF and LeT.
🧠 Conclusion
The Pahalgam attack is a grim reminder that banned terror outfits like The Resistance Front continue to pose a serious threat to peace in Kashmir. Their strategy of appearing “indigenous” while being puppeteered from across the border makes them a uniquely difficult adversary to tackle.
As India mourns its dead, the path ahead must be one of vigilance, resilience, and relentless counter-terror operations.
1 comment
Very good