What Is The Resistance Front? Terror Group Behind Attack On Tourists In J&K's Pahalgam

Two tourists have been killed and a dozen others injured in a suspected terrorist attack in the Baisaran Valley area of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. 

The incident unfolded in the popular tourist destination in Anantnag district, often referred to as 'mini-Switzerland', during the peak tourist season.

The Resistance Front (TRF), a terrorist group based in Jammu and Kashmir, has claimed responsibility for the attack, leading to injuries of at least five people.

The incident comes at a time when the tourists are pouring in Jammu and Kashmir and the Amarnath Yatra is set to begin in July.

All About The Resistance Front

The Resistance Front (TRF) is an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and emerged after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. Within six months of Article 370, it evolved into a physical group by integrating militants from various factions, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

The Ministry of Home Affairs has declared TRF and its associations as a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in January 2023. The ministry said that TRF was involved in "psychological operations on social media platforms for inciting people of Jammu and Kashmir to join terrorist outfits against Indian State."

Some of the notable terrorists associated with the front are Sajid Jatt, Sajjad Gul and Salim Rehmani, all associated with LeT. Ever since its inception, TRF, considered a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has been involved in several terror attacks targetting tourists, the minority Kashmiri Pandits and migrant labourers in the Valley.

The group was also responsible for open firing at a construction site in the Ganderbal district, killing seven people. The victims included a Kashmiri doctor, labourers and a contractor. 

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