The United States has designated The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). The announcement, made by the U.S. Department of State, officially recognizes TRF as a terrorist entity, imposing strict financial and travel sanctions on its members and bolstering counterterrorism cooperation with international partners.
TRF, an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. The victims were mainly Hindu tourists, though a Christian tourist and a local Muslim were also killed. The attack is considered the deadliest on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which were also carried out by LeT.
The Pahalgam Attack
On April 22, 2025, five militants ambushed tourists in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam. Armed with M4 carbines and AK-47s, the attackers targeted Hindu tourists, singling out men and asking for their religion before shooting them. The attack, which was filmed by a tourist, drew widespread condemnation and intensified tensions between India and Pakistan.
TRF's Origins and Activities
The Resistance Front (TRF) emerged in 2019, following the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status by the Indian government. Believed to be a front for Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), TRF aims to fight for Kashmir's secession from India. The group has been involved in numerous attacks targeting civilians, security forces, and political figures in Jammu and Kashmir. India had already designated TRF as a terrorist organization under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in 2023.
TRF uses social media platforms like Telegram, WhatsApp, and Facebook to recruit young people in Kashmir. The group is also involved in smuggling weapons and narcotics from Pakistan.
US Response and International Condemnation
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the designation demonstrates the Trump Administration's commitment to protecting national security interests, countering terrorism, and enforcing President Trump's call for justice for the Pahalgam attack. President Trump had earlier condemned the Pahalgam attack and expressed full support for India in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
Following the Pahalgam attack, India launched "Operation Sindoor," targeting terror infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation triggered a military conflict between the two countries.
India's Efforts to Designate TRF
India has been actively working to get TRF listed as a UN-designated terrorist organization. An Indian delegation held meetings with officials from the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) to present evidence of TRF's links to LeT.
The Broader Context of Militancy in Kashmir
The Pahalgam attack underscores the volatility of the India-Pakistan relationship and the fragility of peace in the Kashmir region. The attack was reportedly motivated by opposition to the settlement of "non-locals" in Kashmir, a trend enabled by the 2019 policy shift.
The designation of TRF as a terrorist organization by the U.S. marks a significant step in international efforts to combat terrorism in the region. It also highlights the continuing concerns regarding cross-border terrorism and the need for sustained diplomatic engagement to address the underlying issues fueling instability in Kashmir.
