The Resistance Front: What is TRF? The Islamist terror outfit that has claimed responsibility for Pahalgam terror attack

In a blatant terror strike, The Resistance Front (TRF), a Pakistan-sponsored Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy, ruthlessly gunned down 26 tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The targeting of civilians in a tourist spot is one of the deadliest in the region in recent history. It highlights the increasing threat of terrorism and the deadly synergy between jihadist ideology and Pakistan’s deep-state support. The attack on tourists in Baisaran Valley—locally referred to as ‘mini Switzerland’—is a renowned holiday destination, merely weeks before the annual Amarnath Yatra.

TRF has become the most notorious player in the terror nexus in Kashmir since it was created in 2019, immediately following the Indian government’s revocation of Article 370 and abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. As per Intelligence dossiers, the ensemble was designed to be a façade for LeT, for presenting a secular, and presenting the revolt as a “people’s movement” instead of a jihadist one. This attempted makeover was characterized as an exercise by Pakistan aimed at dissociation from the conspicuous religious leanings of outfits like LeT and Jaish-e-Mohammad, particularly within international circles, especially to evade and bypass FATF scrutiny.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) of India designated TRF as a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in January 2023. TRF has been indicted on charges of radicalising youth on the internet, conducting planning and carrying out attacks, coordinating infiltration via Pakistan, and promoting smuggling of arms and narcotics. TRF’s social media presence is for psychological warfare, in which they instigate Kashmiri youth to join terror groups and pro-India narrative is opposed.

As per media reports, the mastermind behind the recent Pahalgam attack is suspected to be Saifullah Khalid, also referred to as Saifullah Kasuri, the deputy chief of Lashkar-e-Taiba. Khalid is a main player of the terror network and is said to have the strong backing of the Pakistani military establishment. He has a history of delivering incendiary speeches in Pakistan, including one in February 2025 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa where he vowed to “capture Kashmir by February 2026.” Intelligence sources suggest that Khalid had addressed Pakistani Army units in Punjab before the attack and oversaw the training and deployment of militants across the border.

TRF commander Sheikh Sajjad Gul, who is now sanctioned under India’s anti-terror legislation, has been associated with many attacks on civilians, security forces, and political leaders. He also coordinates recruitment and logistics for TRF operations. Gul has openly stated TRF’s agenda to be resisting “local oppression,” though the militant activities of the group, like attacking unarmed civilians and tourists, contradict these assertions.

108 out of 172 terrorists killed in Jammu and Kashmir in 2022 were from TRF alone, and the group recruited the majority of new militants in 2022. The organization gained notoriety in April 2020, following a four-day gunfight with Indian forces in the Keran sector of Kupwara, in which five Indian soldiers and five terrorists were killed. TRF has been responsible for various attacks since then, including the 2024 attack on a construction company in Ganderbal where seven people were killed.

TRF propaganda itself speaks volumes about its anti-integration agenda. The organization has issued press releases denouncing the granting of domicile certificates to non-locals and has openly threatened to target those are believed to be settling in Kashmir, alleging demographic aggression against them.

The Pahalgam massacre is the latest in TRF’s string of violent actions meant to destabilize the region and sabotage peace efforts. The attack was followed by quick political and security reactions, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi shortening his foreign trip and chairing an emergency meeting upon return. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also flew down to Kashmir to take charge of the situation.

TRF continues to be the prime threat in the region, working with logistic inputs from over the border and with the strategic motive of sustaining disturbance in Jammu and Kashmir.