The recent surge in counter-terrorism efforts by India, particularly in the wake of the deadly Pahalgam attack, has brought the focus sharply onto the activities of The Resistance Front (TRF) and the hunt for its commanders. Operation Keller appears to be the latest manifestation of this intensified campaign, aimed at dismantling terror networks and eliminating key figures responsible for violence in the region.
The catalyst for this heightened activity was the Pahalgam attack on April 22, 2025. Five terrorists targeted tourists in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, resulting in the death of 26 civilians. The attack, which specifically targeted Hindu tourists, also claimed the lives of a Christian tourist and a local Muslim. The attack was carried out with M4 carbines and AK-47s. The Resistance Front (TRF), initially claimed responsibility for the attack. TRF is believed to be an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). However, TRF later retracted their claim and blamed Indian cyber-intelligence for the initial reports.
The Pahalgam attack was the deadliest attack on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. It led to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, with India accusing Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism. India took retaliatory measures, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and closing borders, while Pakistan responded by suspending the Simla Agreement and restricting trade.
In response to the Pahalgam attack, India launched "Operation Sindoor" on May 7, 2025. This operation involved strikes inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), marking a significant shift in India's counterterrorism strategy. Indian forces destroyed nine terror launchpads linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen. These strikes, executed with precision using Rafale jets and other advanced weaponry, demonstrated India's capability to target terror infrastructure deep within Pakistani territory. The operation signified a shift in India's strategy, establishing that state-sponsored terrorism would invite visible retaliation.
Operation Keller, is focused on hunting down top TRF commanders believed to be the masterminds behind the Pahalgam attack and other terrorist activities. Recent reports suggest a major breakthrough with the reported killing of top TRF commander Shahid Kuttey in a gunfight in Kashmir. Kuttey was allegedly linked to multiple attacks and had direct ties with handlers in Pakistan.
The TRF has emerged as a key player in the insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir. It was formed in October 2019, after the revocation of special status to Jammu and Kashmir by the Indian government. The TRF portrays itself as an indigenous Kashmiri resistance movement, though it is believed to be a frontal organization for Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The group has been responsible for attacks on civilians, including religious minorities, government employees, and tourists, as well as attacks on Indian armed and police forces.
India is also mounting diplomatic pressure to get TRF designated as a terror group at the UN. The Indian government had provided inputs about the TRF to the UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee in 2024, highlighting its role as a cover for Pakistan-based terrorist groups.
The situation remains tense, with heightened security measures and ongoing efforts to prevent further attacks. The international community has urged both India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions and work towards maintaining peace and security in the region. The United States has also offered support in investigating the Pahalgam attack and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
