The Resistance Front Strikes Again, 26 Dead in Kashmir

On April 22, a tragic terror attack unfolded near Pahalgam in South Kashmir, resulting in the loss of 26 lives, including two foreign citizens. Several others sustained injuries in the incident, which occurred around 2:30 PM in the Baisaran area. This act of violence has been claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a militant associated with the group named Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). TRF has previously been designated as a terrorist organization by the Indian government due to its involvement in disrupted activities within the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Resistance Front

The Resistance Front (TRF) is a military group that emerged in 2019, it presents itself as a homegrown resistance movement, multiple intelligence reports and academic sources, including the South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP), identify TRF as a part of the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

TRF has adopted a modern strategy of radicalization and propaganda, using online platforms and encrypted social media channels under names such as Kashmir Resistance. These forums are used to spread extremist content, recruit local youth, and claim responsibility for attacks, such as the recent Pahalgam Terror Attack.

The Resistance Front Emergence

The Resistance Front (TRF) is a militant group believed to be linked with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), formed shortly after the revocation of Article 370 in 2019. It began as an online network and is led by individuals like Sajid Jatt, Sajjad Gul, and Salim Rehmani, all linked to LeT. 

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TRF is known for recruiting youth online, smuggling arms and drugs, and carrying out cross-border attacks from Pakistan into Jammu and Kashmir. The group has been involved in attacks on civilians, political leaders, and security forces. It is widely believed to be backed by Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the ISI.

Pahalgam Terror Attack

The Pahalgam Terror Attack took place at Baisaran meadow, where five to six armed terrorists opened fire on unsuspecting tourists, killing 26, including a local pony operator. The attackers reportedly used rifles and possibly bodycams, targeting three crowded spots and executing the assault within 10 minutes. 

Survivors recalled that the terrorists questioned victims about their religion before shooting them, often with headshots. Due to the area’s difficult terrain, help arrived late. The attack, suspected to be backed by Pakistan, prompted strong diplomatic actions from India, including withdrawal from the Indus Water Treaty and reducing Pakistan’s diplomatic presence by May 1.

List of The Resistance Front Attacks

The below table includes the List of The Resistance Front Attacks, including its summary, dates and location of the attacks. 

India say on The Resistance Front

According to India’s Internal Ministry, as reported to Parliament in 2023, The Resistance Front (TRF) has been directly involved in the planning and execution of targeted killings of both security force personnel and civilians in Jammu and Kashmir. TRF has also been implicated in recruiting militants and facilitating the smuggling of weapons and narcotics across the India-Pakistan border. This multifaceted approach underscores the group’s role not just in violence, but also in maintaining its operational capabilities through logistical support and illicit networks.

Further intensifying its operations, TRF has been issuing online threats against pro-India groups, a strategy that has been ongoing for the past two years. These digital threats aim to terrify the civilians, journalists, and organizations seen as supporting the Indian government.

Pakistan say on The Resistance Front

Despite numerous reports and evidence pointing to Pakistan’s involvement in supporting militant groups operating in Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan has consistently denied these allegations. The country maintains that it offers only moral and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri cause, refraining from any direct involvement in funding or aiding militant groups like The Resistance Front (TRF) or Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).