Who is The Resistance Front (TRF) terror group behind Pahalgam terror attack: Explained

India Today

23-04-2025

The Resistance Front (TRF), a militant group linked to Pakistani terrorist Hafiz Saeed's Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has claimed responsibility for the recent terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people.The brutal attack near the picturesque Baisaran Valley, which is frequently called 'mini Switzerland', is one of the most recent and deadliest attacks on civilians in the area, following the dreadful shooting in Pulwama in 2019.advertisementTerrorists opened fire on tourists in the popular meadow, killing 26 people in total, two of whom were foreigners from Nepal and the UAE, and two locals. Officials also reported that the perpetrators aimed at tourists who were pony riding, dining at snack bars in the vicinity, or partying in the forest-clad region.
Recent reports show that the Indian Army foiled an infiltration bid in Baramulla, killing two terrorists amid an intense firefight.
Eyewitnesses reported that the terrorists shot tourists at point-blank range. (File Image)
HOW TRF EMERGED AS LASHKAR'S RUTHLESS OFFSHOOTThe Resistance Front (TRF) is an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and came into existence as an online entity following the abrogation of Article 370 and revocation of the special status of J&K in August 2019. Its leadership included Sajid Jatt, Sajjad Gul and Salim Rehmani, all associated with LeT.advertisementThe TRF, which is suspected of recruiting youths for terrorist purposes online, is also infamous for smuggling narcotics and weapons as well as for the illegal Cross Border Terrorism (CBT), which involves terrorists infiltrating into Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistan.The TRF, which stands for The Resistance Front, is said to have been involved in multiple attacks, including the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Sheikh Sajjad Gul, a commander within the TRF, was brought under the sanction of terror under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) of 1967. The act permits the government to declare an individual a terrorist without going to court.The TRF has carried out several attacks against civilians, members of the security forces, as well as political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir. It is believed the militant organisation is maintained by the state of Pakistan, particularly by its ISI (Inter State Intelligence).Below is the first image of the terrorist involved in the ruthless attack.
First image of the terrorist behind the attack (File Image)
CENTRE SWINGS INTO ACTION AS AMIT SHAH LANDS IN KASHMIRIn January 2023, the Government of India labelled TRF as a terrorist group under UAPA. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) also placed Sheikh Sajjad Gul on their wanted list, offering a bounty for his capture, which speaks volumes of the menace posed by the group to the stability of the region.On Tuesday evening, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reached Srinagar to review the security conditions in Kashmir after the unfortunate incident in Pahalgam.He was received at the airport and subsequently proceeded to Raj Bhavan where he is going to hold a high-level security meeting. Shah is also likely to make an appearance in Pahalgam on Wednesday.
The woman, a survivor of Pahalgam terror attack, recalled the moment gunman shot at her husband. (Screengrab) (File Image)
WORLD LEADERS RESPONDUS President Donald Trump called the attack 'deeply disturbing' and expressed strong support for India. Trump wrote. He extended full support and sympathies to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India.US Vice President JD Vance, currently in India with his family, also expressed shock.advertisementSaudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman conveyed his condolences, stating that Saudi Arabia stands with India and is ready to offer any needed support.Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the attack as a 'brutal crime' and called for justice.Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also expressed her condolences.Other leaders such as Ukraine, Germany, France, Sri Lanka, Iran, the UAE, Israel, and the United Kingdom have also condemned the terror act.