TRF a proxy of Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba, say security forces-OxBig News Network

The Resistance Front (TRF), now designated by the United States as a global terror outfit, is a proxy of Pakistan-based proscribed group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The outfit was floated in the aftermath of the abrogation of Article 370 to evade international sanctions against Pakistan, according to Indian security agencies.

TRF has carried out terror attacks in Jammu & Kashmir’s Keran, Handwara, Sopore, Shopian, Anantnag, Reasi, and Pahalgam. Notable attacks include the Pahalgam attack on April 22, 2025; the killing of nine Hindu pilgrims in Reasi on June 9, 2024; the murder of six migrant labourers and a doctor in Ganderbal on October 20, 2024, the killing of three Army and police personnel in Anantnag on September 13, 2023; and the murder of a BJP leader and two of his family members on, July 8, 2020.

The Indian government designated the outfit as a terror organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in January 2023. ​Founded by Muhammad Abbas Sheikh (now deceased) in October 2019, it is currently headed by designated terrorist Sheikh Sajjad Gul. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has declared a reward of ₹10 lakh for him.

“Muhammad Abbas Sheikh, previously associated with Hizbul Mujahideen, played a key role in setting up TRF. He was killed in an encounter with security forces on August 23, 2021. ​After his death, Basit Ahmed Dar aka Abu Kamran, became its chief operational commander. He was also killed in an encounter on May 7, 2024, in Jammu & Kashmir’s Kulgam,” said an official.

The current TRF chief was allegedly a part of the conspiracy to assassinate prominent Kashmiri journalist Shujaat Bukhari in 2018. “Gul was instrumental in launching TRF’s digital media platform ‘Kashmir Fight’, through which threats were also issued to migrant Kashmiri Pandit employees,” the official said.

Via ‘Kashmir Fight’, TRF indulges in anti-India propaganda, campaigns for recruitment, and also claims responsibility for attacks. Its website was registered on December 10, 2024, through an entity said to be based in Iceland. TRF has a presence on several digital platforms, including Mastodon, Chirpwire, and BiP.

“TRF usually focused on security forces and political figures, but late 2024 onward it started to target infrastructure projects and civilians, including non-locals, in Jammu & Kashmir,” the official said.

Citing its direct role in the Pahalgam attack, the U.S. has formally designated TRF as a foreign terrorist organisation and a specially designated global terrorist entity. “The U.S. statement acknowledges TRF’s links with LeT and Pakistan Army; General Asim Munir’s role; and the legitimacy of India’s calibrated military response through ‘Operation Sindoor’ that was aimed at neutralising the terror launchpads,” the official said.