Opinion | The Declaration of TRF as a Terrorist Organisation – A Big Victory

When innocent lives were lost in the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, it sent shockwaves across India and the world. The cries of victims once again reminded us that terrorism still thrives—nourished by political patronage, ideological extremism, and cross-border support. In a transformative move, the United States has officially designated The Resistance Front (TRF)—a proxy of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)—as a global terrorist organisation. This action is not just symbolic; it marks a strategic global shift against the proxy war machinery that has long used Kashmir as a battlefield.

This US action is being hailed as a significant diplomatic success for India, reflecting the persistent efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to internationalise the issue of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. It validates India’s long-standing claim that Pakistan continues to harbour, protect, and export terrorism under various facades.Though TRF attempts to appear as a local Kashmiri resistance group, it is merely the rebranded face and extended arm of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hafiz Saeed’s terror network. Formed after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, its mission has been to orchestrate attacks in India under the guise of “indigenous rebellion.”

TRF employed social media, digital platforms, and diplomatic jargon to mislead international opinion, falsely positioning itself as a grassroots Kashmiri movement. In reality, its strings are pulled directly from Rawalpindi and Pakistan’s ISI.

Pakistan has long attempted to disguise itself as a victim of terrorism, while actively cultivating and exporting extremism. The global community has, over time, recognised this hypocrisy, prompting Pakistan to rename and rebrand its terror groups. TRF is a prime example of this strategy. The Pahalgam attack was an assault not just on lives but on India’s vision for peace and progress in Kashmir, especially through tourism and infrastructure development. Whenever peace returns to the Valley, terror outfits respond with bloodshed.

The designation of TRF as a global terrorist entity sends a clear global message—that terrorism cannot be hidden behind new names. Using terror as an instrument of foreign policy must face universal condemnation and consequence. India’s success is rooted in its strategic outreach. Delegations were sent to 32 nations, including the US, to present concrete evidence proving that TRF is merely a front for Lashkar-e-Taiba. These efforts bore fruit in the form of the US declaration.

Despite supporting India on paper, the US and international bodies continue financial engagement with Pakistan, often through loans and aid from the World Bank and IMF. This duality must stop. Supporting a terror-breeding nation contradicts the very principles of counter-terrorism. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has often shown indecisiveness in terrorism matters. Similarly, the FATF’s reluctance to move Pakistan into its grey list, despite ample evidence, raises serious questions. If Pakistan is openly backing TRF, why is it still escaping stringent sanctions?

India must not rest on symbolic victories alone. The following steps are essential: Strengthen cross-border counter-terror strikes including surgical and drone operations. Demand international economic sanctions on nations or entities funding terrorism. Enhance domestic intelligence and cyber surveillance capabilities. Keep exposing Pakistan’s terror nexus at FATF, UN, and G20 platforms.

A united front of democratic, peace-loving nations must adopt a Zero Tolerance Policy against terrorism. No country—directly or indirectly—should be allowed to provide safe haven to terrorists. The declaration of TRF as a terrorist organisation is just the first step. The real challenge lies in eliminating its financial, logistical, and ideological roots. The unholy nexus between Pakistan’s government, military, and terrorist outfits must be broken. The Pahalgam attack is a reminder that terrorism is not merely a security threat—it is an insult to humanity, civilisation, and peace.

India must now act with resolve and readiness, not just reaction. We owe it to future generations to build an India where Kashmir is known for its beauty—not its bloodshed. The campaign to globally isolate TRF and similar outfits must continue until terrorism is eradicated from its roots.

By Lalit Garg

Writer, Journalist, Columnist
Email: lalitgarg11@gmail.com