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The Resistance Front (TRF) as Terrorist Organisation by US
Context
The United States designated The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow affiliate of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), as a terrorist organisation on July 18, 2025, following its claim of responsibility for the Pahalgam attack that killed 25 tourists and a local ponywala.
The Resistance Front (TRF)
Nature and Origin of TRF:
- The Resistance Front (TRF) is considered a proxy or “shadow outfit” of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT).
- It emerged shortly after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, as a part of a strategy to give militancy in Jammu & Kashmir a façade of indigenous origin.
Rationale for Formation:
- TRF was created to bypass international scrutiny, especially while Pakistan was under the FATF Grey List.
- By creating such groups (e.g., TRF and PAFF), Pakistan sought to deflect responsibility for cross-border terrorism and present Kashmiri militancy as domestic resistance.
Operational Modus:
- Security agencies assert that TRF shares personnel, logistics, and intelligence with other groups such as LeT, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and Hizbul Mujahideen.
- It lacks a defined hierarchical or asset-based structure, making it difficult to dismantle through traditional counter-terror mechanisms like asset freezes.
Significance of US Designation:
- Diplomatic Victory for India: Reinforces India’s long-standing position on cross-border terrorism and exposes Pakistan’s duplicity.
- Increased Diplomatic Pressure on Pakistan: The designation places renewed pressure on Pakistan’s state apparatus to disassociate from such entities.
- Limited Ground Impact: Experts note that TRF, lacking global operations or tangible assets, may continue operating under a new name; the designation is largely symbolic unless followed by actionable international sanctions or intelligence coordination.
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