TRF Denies Role in Pahalgam Attack, Pakistan and Terrorists are highly Scared of India
The Resistance Front (TRF), which is linked to the terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba, has denied any involvement in the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. In an official statement on Saturday, TRF called the accusations against it “false and hasty,” and said they are part of a larger plan to damage the image of the Kashmiri resistance movement. TRF earlier had taken responsibility for the terror attack that killed 26 people and injured over a dozen. Now TRF is saying that it had posted the message (about pahalgam attack responsibility) by mistake.
TRF said that shortly after the Pahalgam attack, an unauthorized message was posted from one of their social media accounts. According to the group, this happened because of a cyberattack, which they claimed was part of India’s “digital warfare tactics.” After checking internally, TRF said it found evidence suggesting that Indian cyber-intelligence operatives may have hacked their platform. They accused India of using similar tactics before to create confusion and blame Pakistan-backed groups for violent incidents. TRF also said that it is continuing its investigation to find out exactly who was responsible for hacking into their accounts.
What is TRF?
The Resistance Front (TRF) is a rebel group actively engaged in the insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir, and designated as a terrorist organisation in India. The group is responsible for attacks on and killings of civilians, including those belonging to religious minority communities such as Kashmiri Hindus, government employees, labourers and business owners, local politicians, and tourists, as well as for several attacks on Indian security forces including local policemen.
Pakistan Responds, Offers to Join a Neutral Probe
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has responded to the situation by offering to take part in a fair and neutral investigation into the Pahalgam attack. Speaking at a military academy ceremony in Abbottabad, Sharif said that Pakistan is willing to participate in an investigation that is neutral, transparent, and credible.
He criticized India’s habit of blaming Pakistan quickly without proper evidence. Sharif said, “This blame game must stop,” and stressed that Pakistan is ready to prove its side through a fair investigation. He also assured that Pakistan’s military is strong and ready to defend the country, reminding people of Pakistan’s reaction during the India-Pakistan tensions in 2019, when Indian jets crossed into Pakistani airspace.
Background on the Pahalgam Attack
The terror attack happened on April 22 in the Baisaran meadow area of Pahalgam, a popular tourist spot. Terrorists attacked a group of tourists, killing 26 people and injuring many others. It was one of the deadliest attacks in Jammu and Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama attack.
After the attack, India took strict actions against Pakistan. India suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, which governs the sharing of river waters between the two countries, and stopped the flow of river water to Pakistan. In addition, India canceled visa services for Pakistani citizens, revoked visas that had already been issued (except for diplomats and officials), and expelled Pakistani diplomats from India.
