The Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, one of the deadliest assaults on civilians in the region since Pulwama in 2019, has triggered global outrage and renewed focus on The Resistance Front (TRF)—a group directly linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and its notorious founder, Hafiz Saeed.
The attack at Baisaran Valley, often dubbed “mini Switzerland” for its natural beauty, turned into a scene of carnage as five to six TRF militants, reportedly in military fatigues, opened fire indiscriminately on tourists dining, riding ponies, or simply enjoying the forest trails. At least 26 people were killed, including two foreign nationals from Nepal and the UAE, and two locals. The location was crowded due to the spring tourist season.
TRF's Involvement and Profile
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The Resistance Front, operating as a proxy for Lashkar-e-Taiba, was officially declared a terrorist organisation by India in January 2023 under the UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act).
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Its commander, Sheikh Sajjad Gul, has been named under UAPA’s individual terrorist list. He is wanted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), with a bounty on his capture.
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TRF is known not just for armed attacks but also for cyber-recruitment, narcotics and arms trafficking, and facilitating Cross Border Terrorism (CBT)—where militants infiltrate from Pakistan into Indian territory.
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The group is widely believed to be backed by Pakistan’s ISI, and its members have been implicated in numerous targeted killings and assaults on civilians, security forces, and political figures.
International Reactions
The Pahalgam massacre has sparked a rare and unified international condemnation:
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U.S. President Donald Trump called the incident “deeply disturbing” and reiterated America’s full support to India.
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Vice President JD Vance, coincidentally in India during the attack, personally expressed shock and solidarity.
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Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman conveyed his condolences to PM Modi, emphasizing Saudi Arabia’s readiness to assist India in any needed capacity.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin termed the attack a “brutal crime” and said justice must be served.
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Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni offered condolences, joined by statements from leaders of Germany, France, the UK, Ukraine, Sri Lanka, Iran, Israel, and the UAE—the latter particularly noting the loss of a UAE national in the tragedy.
Government Response
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Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Srinagar Tuesday night and held closed-door high-level meetings at Raj Bhavan. He is expected to visit Pahalgam personally to assess the ground situation and offer support to victims.
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Prime Minister Modi, who cut short his Saudi visit, chaired an emergency briefing at the airport upon return and is slated to preside over a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting later today.
This attack has reignited global calls for crackdowns on state-sponsored terror and heightened India’s counter-terror security posture, especially as questions mount about how the heavily armed militants managed to infiltrate a high-tourist zone during peak season.
