Pahalgam: What's 'The Resistance Front', LeT ‘proxy' behind the deadliest terror attack on tourists in Kashmir?
The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, is believed to be behind the Tuesday's terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam's Baisaran that has left many casualties.
So far, five deaths have been reported by Reuters news agency, an official figure of casualties is awaited. The deaths could rise, as per reports from Pahalgam – a popular tourist destination in South Kashmir's Anantnag district.
'More than 85,000 domiciles have been issued to non-locals, creating a pathway for demographic change in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. These non-locals arrive posing as tourists, obtain domiciles, and then begin to act as if they own the land," the TRF said in a statement being circulated on social media.
Mint could not verify the credibility of the statement claiming responsibility for the Pahgalgam attack.
"Consequently, violence will be directed toward those attempting to settle illegally," it said.
The Pahalgam attack is one of the deadliest attacks in Kashmir in general and post abrogation of Article 370 in particular.
On June 9, the day of the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, unidentified terrorists fired upon a bus ferrying pilgrims, resulting in the death of at least 10 people and injuries to 33 others in the Reasi district of the Jammu region.
The Resistance Front (TRF) is a new terrorist outfit that emerged in the aftermath of the abrogation of Article 370 of Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019. Believed to be a proxy arm of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), TRF was formed to provide a localised face' to the militancy in Kashmir, according to reports.
Founded in October 2019, the group was led by Sheikh Sajjad Gul as the Supreme Commander, with Basit Ahmed Dar serving as the Chief Operational Commander. The TRF was initially formed with cadres from Hizbul Mujahideen and LeT, according to reports. The Union government has been calling TRF as a 'proxy' front for the LeT.
Born on October 10, 1974 in Srinagar, Gul was designated as terrorist by the government in 2022. Of 172 terrorists that were killed in Jammu and Kashmir, 108 were linked to TRF, according to a 2022 data.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) banned TRF and all its manifestations and front organisations in January 2023. The Ministry has declared them as terrorist organisations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967.
The MHA made the announcement through a notification, mentioning that "the activities of TRF are detrimental for the national security and sovereignty of India."
The MHA said the LeT proxy is 'involved in psychological operations on social media platforms for inciting people of Jammu and Kashmir to join terrorist outfits against Indian state'.
'The Resistance Front came into existence in the year 2019 as a proxy outfit of Lashkar-e-Taiba, a proscribed terrorist organisation listed at serial number 5 of the first schedule under the UAPA," a notification issued by the MHA said.
TRF, is recruiting youth through online medium for furtherance of terrorist activities and has been involved in carrying out propaganda on terror activities, recruitment of terrorists, infiltration of terrorists and smuggling of weapons and narcotics from Pakistan into Jammu and Kashmir, the notification said.
The TRF has had a role in majority of attacks on civilians, including Kashmiri Pandits and migrant workers as well as security forces in Kashmir, for the past many years.
Before the attack on tourists Pahalgam on Tuesday, TRF, the banned outfit, claimed responsibility for the attack at a construction site in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal district, which killed a doctor and six migrant workers in October 2024.
TRF chief Gul is the mastermind of the attack and the group's local module, carried out the attack targeting Kashmiris and non-Kashmiris together, according to a TRF statement after the Ganderbal attack in 2024 said.
Another major attack involving TRF was April 1, 2020 when the group engaged in a four-day gun battle near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Keran sector of Kupwara. Five Indian para commandos were killed along with theterrorists.
Some of the prominent TRF names include Sajid Jatt, Sajjad Gul, and Salim Rehmani—all with links to LeT.
First Published: 22 Apr 2025, 08:12 PM IST
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
34 minutes ago
- Indian Express
‘Unable to find a direct flight, London-based family opted for Air India flight from Ahmedabad'
It was meant to be a fun-filled homecoming for Eid. Instead, it ended in heartbreak for the Syed family. Javed Ali Syed, a UK-based hotel manager originally from Malad in Mumbai, had flown down with his wife Mariam and their two young children, four-year-old Zayn and six-year-old Amani, at the beginning of the month to celebrate Eid al-Adha with family and to be by his ailing mother's side. With no direct flight tickets available from Mumbai for their return journey to London, the family opted for a flight from Ahmedabad. That detour, however, proved fatal. Air India flight AI 171 they had boarded crashed shortly after takeoff two days ago, killing Javed, Mariam, and their two children, two of the youngest victims of the tragedy. Javed, a former resident of Malad, had moved to the UK a decade ago and subsequently gained citizenship. He worked as a manager at the Best Western Kensington Olympia Hotel in London and had married Mariam, whom he met in the UK. 'He hadn't been here in years. Our mother had a heart attack recently and Eid was near, so he wanted to be here for both,' said Imtiyaz Ali Syed, Javed's brother. The family stayed in Malad for several days before travelling to Ahmedabad earlier this week to catch their return flight. 'We are devastated,' said Imtiyaz, who has travelled to Ahmedabad along with another family member to assist in the identification process and submit DNA samples. The bodies of the family have not yet been located. 'We wish they had taken a flight from Mumbai. Perhaps this would not have occurred,' Imtiyaz said.
News18
39 minutes ago
- News18
Unprecedented Direct Assault On Israel By Iran, Opportunistic Strikes By Houthis: Sources To News18
Last Updated: While a defensive success overall, the penetrations highlight the inherent challenge of achieving 100% interception of such a massive salvo Iran has launched an unprecedented direct assault on Israel, with Houthi forces also unleashing opportunistic strikes, top intelligence sources told CNN-News18 on Saturday. 'Israel achieved defensive success, limiting penetration," said a source. 'Israel's multi-layered interception system proved effective. No Indian casualties have been reported, and Indian mission members are safe. Civilians sheltered overnight. Israel conducted aggressive and precise counterattacks, including destruction of the Iranian ghost fleet." A precursor drone swarm attack by Iran, involving approximately 100 suicide drones, was largely intercepted by Israel and its allies, including Jordanian forces, said the sources. Intelligence sources suggest these drones were likely intended to overwhelm defences and serve as cheaper decoys for the main missile strike. 'Iran launched four distinct waves of ballistic missiles (estimated 100-150 total) at approximately 9 pm, 10 pm, 1 am, and 5.30 am," a source said. 'This phased approach aimed to sustain pressure, test Israeli and US defensive endurance, and increase the likelihood of penetration." The scale of the attack represents a significant, direct escalation beyond proxy warfare, the sources said. Israeli air defences (Arrow, David's Sling, Iron Dome), combined with US Patriot batteries, THAAD systems, and naval assets, intercepted the vast majority of the incoming drones and missiles, they added. This, according to them, demonstrates remarkable technological capability and crucial operational coordination between the US and Israel. Jordan's involvement is strategically significant for regional dynamics, they said. Despite these defences, a small number of missiles hit Tel Aviv, central, and northern Israel, causing significant damage to buildings. Confirmed reports indicate 3-4 fatalities and approximately 80 injuries. While a defensive success overall, the penetrations highlight the inherent challenge of achieving 100% interception of such a massive salvo. The relatively low casualty count suggests Iran may have prioritised symbolic strikes over mass casualties or that the defensive measures mitigated more severe outcomes, said the sources. During the Iranian barrage, Houthi forces launched drone attacks against Israel. This highlights the multi-front nature of the conflict Israel faces and the coordination (or opportunistic timing) among Iran's allies to maximise pressure on Israeli defences. IDF strikes reportedly damaged the Isfahan nuclear facility, Tabriz and Hamadan airbases, and Tehran's Mehrabad Airport. Overnight strikes targeted a Karaj radar site, Iranian Air Force HQ (Tehran), Basij HQ, and bases in Safadasht and Sanjan. This represents a deep and audacious counterstrike directly into Iranian territory, said the sources. The targeting of nuclear facilities (symbolic deterrent), airbases (degrading capability), command and control nodes (Air Force HQ, Basij HQ), and radar installations (blinding defences) indicates a comprehensive effort to cripple Iran's military infrastructure and retaliate forcefully. A focused strike on Nojeh Airbase (near Hamadan) destroyed a significant portion of Iran's operational F-4E/RF-4E Phantom fighter jets. 'This is a significant tactical blow, eliminating a portion of Iran's ageing but still relevant air combat power. It signals Israel's ability to locate and destroy high-value assets deep within Iran," a source said. Iran claims to have shot down two Israeli F-35s. Israel strongly denies this claim. This exchange marks a dangerous, direct state-on-state conflict between Iran and Israel, escalating far beyond the long-standing shadow war and proxy conflicts, said the sources. Iran's attack, while massive, appeared designed more for demonstration and a show of capability, potentially in response to Israeli strikes on its officials and consulate, rather than to inflict catastrophic damage or trigger full-scale war. Israel's response, while devastating to specific targets, also seemed calibrated for significant retaliation without necessarily seeking immediate, all-out war. The high interception rate demonstrates the effectiveness of Israel's multi-layered air defence system, significantly augmented by crucial US support. This defensive success represents a major strategic win for Israel, sources said. 'Israel's counterstrikes were remarkably deep, wide-ranging, and precise, targeting symbolic, strategic, and tactical assets across Iran. This demonstrates significant intelligence capability and strike proficiency," a source said. 'Jordan's interception efforts and the robust US defensive role highlight the importance of regional partnerships for Israel." The Houthi involvement underscores Iran's ability to activate its proxies, the sources added. top videos View all Both sides may seek to de-escalate following this exchange; however, these direct attacks have fundamentally altered the rules of engagement. The risk of further miscalculation or a renewed cycle of violence remains extremely high, said sources. tags : houthi iran israel Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 14, 2025, 21:58 IST News world Unprecedented Direct Assault On Israel By Iran, Opportunistic Strikes By Houthis: Sources To News18
Hindustan Times
44 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
How the Constitution came to represent our civilisational ethos
These days it has become fashionable for political leaders to swear by the Constitution, and even flaunt a copy of it in public rallies. Yet few are fully aware of the drama and sweat that went into its making. The Constitution was a product of three years of intense and cerebral deliberations of the Constituent Assembly (CA), from August 1946 to January 26, 1950, when it was signed by each member and formally adopted. We celebrate that day as Republic Day. But there is a long history preceding the convening of the CA. The idea was first mooted by VK Krishna Menon (later the country's defence minister) as far back as 1933. In 1936, at its Lucknow session, the Congress party formally asked for it. When there was no immediate response from the British, C Rajagopalachari strongly reiterated the appeal. The British accepted it in August 1940. Finally, under the British Cabinet Mission Plan, elections to the CA were held in July 1946. Not many know that these elections were not held under universal suffrage. The nominees were elected by the Provincial Assemblies by a single transferable vote system of proportional representation. To this were added the elected nominees of 93 princely states, and one each from the chief commissionerships of Delhi, Ajmer-Merwara, Coorg and Baluchistan. The elections were completed by 16 August 1946. Congress representatives had the lion's share of 69%. The Muslim League won 73 seats. On the announcement of a separate Indian state, the League boycotted the CA, but 28 of its 73 members chose to ignore the boycott. In its final configuration, the CA consisted of 299 members. Although not directly elected, they represented an entire spectrum of views — conservatives, progressives, Marxists, and all beliefs, including Hindu revivalists and Islamic votaries. Historian Granville Austin has described the CA as 'India in microcosm'. Rajendra Prasad, later the first President of India, was elected as the chairperson. Harendra Coomar Mookherjee, a Christian and former vice-chancellor of Calcutta University, was elected vice-president. BR Ambedkar was the chairperson of the drafting committee. He was ably assisted by jurist BN Rau, who as Constitutional advisor, prepared the first draft. The CA had 114 sittings spread over two years, 11 months and 18 days. Spirited debates took place on several issues: Universal suffrage, which some thought was premature, until Jawaharlal Nehru put an end to the debate by saying, 'the voice of a peasant is as precious as that of a professor'; the integration into the Union of princely states, ably steered by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel; federalism, and the use of emergency powers by the Centre, but only in 'extraordinary circumstances'; language and linguistic states; fundamental rights versus directive principles; and reservations and social justice. Ambedkar's insistence on reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes faced some opposition, but his will prevailed when he bluntly said that if this is not done, 'those who suffer from inequality will blow up the structure of democracy'. There were voices wanting Hindu heritage to be especially acknowledged, but after prolonged debate, the consensus was that the Republic will treat all religions equally. On 26 November 1949, the Constitution was passed, the longest of its kind in the world, with 395 Articles, eight Schedules, and 22 Sections, a remarkable tribute to its creators. As I studied its making, two often ignored facts struck me. First, there were 17 feisty women in the CA, including G Durgabai, Sucheta Kriplani, Sarojini Naidu, Vijayalakshmi Pandit, and Kamala Chaudhri. They formed a distinctive voice, and have been referred to as the 'Mothers of the Constitution'. Second, I was surprised at how preponderant the best minds of South India were. For instance, in the six-member drafting committee chaired by Ambedkar, save KM Munshi, the others were south Indian scholars: Alladi Krishnaswamy Iyer, Gopala Swamy Ayyangar, N. Madhava Rao and TT Krishnamachari. The house committee chairman was Pattabhi Sitaramayya. The second vice-president of the CA, elected later, was VT Krishnamachari. And, of course, the Constitutional advisor was BN Rau. So, next time when political leaders brandish the Constitution, they should be aware of how much pan-Indian thought went into its preparation. Its courageous Preamble represents the soul of a nation, and the entire document our civilisational ethos. Pavan K Varma is author, diplomat, and former Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha). The views expressed are personal. Get 360° coverage—from daily headlines to 100 year archives.
