The Resistance Front (TRF), widely believed to be a front for the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba and earlier reported to have claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam terror attack, on Saturday issued a denial amid mounting global condemnation and mass protests by Kashmiris across the Valley.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has designated TRF as a “terrorist organisation" under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in 2023, citing its role in promoting terrorism, recruiting militants, and facilitating infiltration and arms smuggling from Pakistan into Jammu and Kashmir.
In a statement, TRF said: “TRF unequivocally denies any involvement in the Pahalgam incident. Any attribution of this act to TRF is false, hasty.”
It claimed an “unauthorised" message had been posted from one of its digital platforms shortly after the attack.
The genuineness of the claims, however, remains subject to scrutiny.
“After an internal audit, we have reason to believe it was the result of a coordinated cyber intrusion. We are conducting a full investigation to trace the breach, and early indicators suggest fingerprints of Indian cyber-intelligence operatives," it added. An audio clip reiterating the denial was also released.
The Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 civilian lives, triggered large-scale protests, with Kashmiris expressing anger towards Pakistan and its sponsored terror groups.
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) strongly condemned the attack, calling for the perpetrators to be brought to justice. “The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, during which at least 26 people were killed and many more injured,” the UNSC said in a statement.
US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard extended support to India, stating that Washington stood with New Delhi in its hunt for those responsible. The US State Department also expressed solidarity with India.
Standing firm against terrorism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing a large gathering in Bihar, delivered a stern message to the world.
“Today from the soil of Bihar, I say to the whole world, India will identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them till the end of the Earth. Terrorism will not go unpunished,” he declared, drawing thunderous applause from the crowd.
Reinforcing the nation's unwavering spirit, the Prime Minister added, “The entire nation is firm in this resolve. Everyone who believes in humanity is with us. I thank the people of various countries and their leaders, who have stood with us in these times.”
In the wake of the Pahalgam attack and rising tensions with Pakistan, India has launched a series of retaliatory measures.
These include the expulsion of Pakistani military attachés, suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, and the closure of the Attari land-transit post — signalling a hardening of India's stance as it seeks to bring the perpetrators to justice.
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