The recent terrorist attack in the verdant meadows of Baisaran, Pahalgam, on April 22, where unarmed tourists were ruthlessly fired upon, marks a chilling reminder of the persistent and evolving threat in Jammu & Kashmir. The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadowy militant outfit, has claimed responsibility for the bloodshed, reviving concerns about the return of proxy terrorism to the Valley.
What sets this attack apart is not only its brutality, but also the re-emergence of TRF; a digital-era front designed to mask the involvement of Pakistan-based terror groups, particularly the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). While it may bear a different name, TRF is but an extension of the same machinery that orchestrated the 2019 Pulwama attack, making this assault one of the most significant civilian-targeted incidents since then.
TRF first appeared on the radar in 2019, in the wake of Article 370’s abrogation. Its emergence was neither spontaneous nor isolated. Instead, it was a calculated response, designed to give militancy in Kashmir a so-called ‘indigenous face’; an effort to distract from the involvement of handlers and masterminds operating out of Pakistan. The group’s ideological and logistical roots, however, remain deeply embedded in the LeT and its patron, Pakistan’s military establishment, particularly the Inter-Services Intelligence.
Unlike traditional militant outfits, TRF has adeptly embraced encrypted messaging apps, social media platforms, and dark web forums to radicalise youth, coordinate attacks, and avoid surveillance. This digital camouflage allows the group to operate without the global stigma associated with LeT, presenting a more “acceptable” front for exporting terror under a different banner.
The Baisaran shooting is a significant escalation in TRF's playbook. Eyewitnesses recount a scene of chaos and horror as gunmen opened fire on unsuspecting tourists enjoying pony rides and picnics. A clear attempt not just to instil fear, but to sabotage the return of normalcy and tourism to the Valley.
Despite its attempts to distance itself from LeT, TRF’s leadership and strategy unmistakably trace back to its origin. The group is reportedly headed by Sheikh Sajjad Gul, a known LeT operative and a designated terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has identified him as the operational and digital mastermind behind TRF’s campaigns, making him a high-priority target for Indian security forces.
Recognising the growing threat, the Indian government formally banned TRF under the UAPA in January 2023, declaring it a terrorist organization. Yet, its continued access to cross-border funding, arms, and training solidifies its role as a key instrument in Pakistan’s asymmetric warfare strategy; one aimed at destabilising India without direct confrontation.
TRF has claimed responsibility for a series of assassinations, bombings, and attacks targeting civilians, security personnel, and political leaders across Jammu & Kashmir. Its rise represents a broader Pakistani strategy to rejuvenate militancy in the region by replacing known terror groups with new, less recognisable proxies to evade international scrutiny.
The Pahalgam attack is a grim reminder that these new facades do not conceal old intentions. Behind the rhetoric of “resistance” lies a lethal agenda designed and driven from across the border, one that seeks to unravel peace, deter investment, and prolong the suffering of Kashmir’s people.
TRF’s emergence, and its capacity for high-impact violence, underscores the changing face of militancy in Kashmir. It is not just a security threat, but a strategic challenge. One that demands a calibrated mix of intelligence, international cooperation, and on-ground vigilance. The rebranding may have changed the name, but the agenda remains unchanged: to disrupt, destabilise, and derail peace.
In the face of this evolving menace, India's response must be equally adaptive and resolute. The battle against proxy terrorism is no longer confined to borders or battlefields. It now extends to digital platforms, ideological fronts, and diplomatic arenas. And it is here that the next phase of the fight must be won.