1. The Resistance Front (TRF)
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Origin | Formed in Oct 2019 (post-Article 370 abrogation) as a rebranded proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). |
| Leadership | Sheikh Sajjad Gul (Chief); Ahmad Khalid (Spokesperson). Founder (Muhammad Abbas Sheikh) killed in 2021. |
| Propaganda | Portals like KashmirFight & Jhelum Media House; projects as "indigenous resistance". |
| Major Attacks | - Apr 2025: Pahalgam attack (26 tourists killed) - Oct 2024: Ganderbal killings (7 civilians) - Jun 2024: Reasi bus attack - 2020: Lal Chowk, Srinagar (6 killed) |
| India's Action | Banned under UAPA (1967) in Jan 2023. Detailed in UNSC 1267 reports (2024). |
2. US Designation: FTO & SDGT
- FTO (Foreign Terrorist Organization):
- Under Section 219, Immigration and Nationality Act.
- Criminalizes material support; blocks US assets/transactions.
- SDGT (Specially Designated Global Terrorist):
- By US Treasury’s OFAC. Freezes global assets; imposes secondary sanctions.
- Goal: Isolate TRF financially/logistically; disrupt Pakistan’s "plausible deniability".
3. Pakistan’s Role & Rebranding Strategy
- LeT/ISI Backing: TRF uses LeT’s funds, training camps (Pakistan), and cross-border infiltration routes.
- Rebranding Motive:
- Evade FATF scrutiny; mask Pakistan’s role.
- Project Kashmir militancy as "local uprising" (avoids Islamic imagery).
- India’s Stance: Consistently exposed TRF as a Pak proxy at UN (1267 Committee).
5. Key Terms & Concepts
- UNSC 1267 Committee: Sanctions regime for Al-Qaeda/ISIL affiliates (TRF added via India’s submissions).
- FATF: Global watchdog on terror financing (Pakistan grey-listed in 2018-2022 for LeT/JeM support).
- UAPA (1967): India’s primary anti-terror law (allows banning groups, arresting suspects without bail).
6. Significance of US Designation
- Global Isolation: Curtails TRF’s fundraising (e.g., diaspora donations).
- Diplomatic Win for India: Validates India’s intelligence on Pakistan’s role.
- Deterrence: Warns nations (e.g., Turkey, UAE) hosting TRF sympathizers.
7. Challenges & Way Forward
- Hybrid Warfare: Counter TRF’s online propaganda (KashmirFight).
- Cross-Border Infiltration: Strengthen IB/LoC surveillance.
- Local Recruitment: Address youth radicalization via socio-economic programs.
Policy Suggestion: Integrate NIA with Interpol for global ops; fast-track terror cases.