Exposing TRF: Lashkar’s deadly Kashmir proxy behind Pahalgam massacre that killed 27

What is The Resistance Front and how did it emerge in Kashmir?

The Resistance Front, commonly abbreviated as TRF, has emerged as one of the most dangerous Pakistan-sponsored militant outfits operating in Jammu and Kashmir. Established shortly after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, TRF is widely believed to be a rebranded proxy of the banned terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Analysts have observed that TRF was specifically created to project terrorism in Kashmir as an indigenous resistance rather than a cross-border campaign, thereby diluting international criticism of Pakistan’s support for terror groups in the region.

Security officials point out that TRF began its operations under the guise of a homegrown resistance movement to avoid immediate detection and global scrutiny. However, intelligence intercepts and forensic investigations linked its leadership, financing, and strategic command to Lashkar-e-Taiba. The group’s rise was also facilitated by Pakistan’s continued backing of proxy war tactics in the Kashmir Valley through arms supply, training, and digital propaganda.

How is TRF connected to Lashkar-e-Taiba and who leads the group?

Despite its façade of indigenous militancy, TRF has consistently operated as a front for Lashkar-e-Taiba. The Indian government and multiple counterterrorism agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA), have identified Sheikh Sajjad Gul as a key figure behind TRF. A native of Srinagar and a longtime LeT operative, Gul has been designated as a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and is suspected to be operating from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

TRF gained notoriety for targeting political workers, security personnel, and civilians, using encrypted digital channels to coordinate attacks and circulate propaganda. Its operational model focuses on targeted killings and psychological warfare through fear-mongering rather than mass-casualty attacks—until now.

What happened in Pahalgam and why is this attack different?

The April 22, 2025, terror attack in Pahalgam marks a significant shift in TRF’s modus operandi. In a coordinated assault on a group of tourists visiting the Baisaran Valley, militants opened fire indiscriminately, resulting in at least 27 fatalities, including two foreign nationals. This mass-casualty event is being described as the deadliest attack on civilians in the Kashmir Valley in recent years.

Previously, TRF attacks focused primarily on security forces and local leaders. However, targeting a group of unarmed tourists signals a deliberate pivot in strategy, potentially aimed at reviving international attention, disrupting regional tourism, and reinforcing fear among non-local residents. The group’s justification, posted through encrypted social media handles, framed the attack as retaliation against alleged demographic changes in Kashmir due to domicile rights extended to non-locals by the Indian government.

What is the Indian government’s response to the Pahalgam attack?

Union Home Minister Amit Shah reached Srinagar soon after the incident, holding high-level meetings with security forces and intelligence officials. The Ministry of Home Affairs is reportedly assessing whether TRF’s operational capacities have been underestimated in recent months and is working to recalibrate its counterterrorism posture in Jammu and Kashmir.

Officials said that the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Indian Army have launched intensified search and cordon operations in South Kashmir districts, with heightened aerial surveillance and ground-level human intelligence inputs. Preliminary findings suggest the attackers were well-trained and familiar with the terrain, indicating extensive planning.

Why was TRF banned and how is it evolving despite that?

In January 2023, the Ministry of Home Affairs banned The Resistance Front under the UAPA, citing its role in perpetuating terrorism in the Valley. The ban came alongside the designation of Sheikh Sajjad Gul as a terrorist. Despite these moves, TRF has continued to adapt and evolve, often leveraging online anonymity, remote leadership, and Pakistan-based logistical support to retain operational continuity.

Experts warn that while bans restrict a group’s legal presence, proxy outfits often exploit legal loopholes and digital platforms to circumvent enforcement. TRF’s structure—operating without formal training camps in Kashmir and relying on lone wolves or micro-cells—makes it harder to dismantle.

What are the broader implications for security in Jammu and Kashmir?

The attack on tourists in a high-footfall area like Pahalgam comes at a time when the government has been promoting Jammu and Kashmir as a safe destination for domestic and international tourists. The incident not only undermines this narrative but also suggests that Pakistan-backed terror groups are shifting to softer targets to attract maximum attention.

Tourism, a vital sector for the regional economy, may now face a setback. The economic fallout could include cancellations, reduced travel during the upcoming summer season, and heightened travel advisories from foreign embassies.

Security experts say this escalation underscores a broader pattern of hybrid warfare being deployed in Kashmir—one that combines asymmetric terror attacks with information operations aimed at influencing public opinion domestically and abroad.

How is the global community reacting to the incident?

The international community has widely condemned the attack. Nations with citizens injured or killed in the incident have expressed solidarity with India and called for accountability. The United Nations and European Union released statements urging greater international cooperation to combat terrorism and reaffirmed support for India’s sovereignty.

Diplomatic observers note that such attacks often lead to renewed discussions on Pakistan’s role in harbouring terrorist organisations. While Pakistan continues to deny direct involvement, India has consistently presented dossiers containing evidence of cross-border facilitation of terrorism at international forums.

How might this affect Indo-Pak diplomatic ties and future regional stability?

The Pahalgam attack is expected to strain already tenuous India-Pakistan relations further. India is likely to step up diplomatic outreach to highlight Pakistan’s continued use of proxy terror outfits as tools of state policy. This could have implications at multilateral platforms such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), where Pakistan’s commitments on curbing terror financing remain under scrutiny.

Moreover, there are growing concerns that the return of mass-casualty attacks could destabilise recent peace initiatives, including the 2021 ceasefire agreement along the Line of Control (LoC). If more attacks follow, it could re-ignite military and political tensions between the two neighbours.

What’s next for counterterrorism in Kashmir post-Pahalgam?

The Pahalgam massacre is likely to become a turning point in India’s counterterrorism policy in Jammu and Kashmir. Government sources have indicated plans for restructured surveillance networks, increased deployment in tourist zones, and reclassification of TRF and other groups under a broader terrorist ecosystem involving Jaish-e-Mohammed and Hizbul Mujahideen.

New policy directives may also include enhanced cyber intelligence efforts, as TRF is known for radicalising and coordinating operations via Telegram and other encrypted messaging apps. The Indian government is also pushing for global tech platforms to assist law enforcement in tracking encrypted communications used by terror groups.

Ultimately, while the crackdown on TRF may intensify, experts emphasise that the group’s persistence reflects deeper geopolitical tensions and the ongoing vulnerability of Jammu and Kashmir to proxy militancy. The attack is not only a national security concern but also a stark reminder of the complex challenge posed by hybrid terrorism in a digitally connected world.