- By Supratik Das
- Fri, 18 Jul 2025 07:56 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
TRF Ban For Pahalgam Attack: In a major diplomatic victory for India's counter-terror initiative, the US Department of State on Friday formally declared The Resistance Front (TRF), the Pakistan proxy terror outfit responsible for the Pahalgam attack, as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) organisation. This landmark decision comes on the heels of prolonged diplomatic efforts by India and sends a strong signal of Washington's determination to push back cross-border terrorism against India.
TRF Enters Infamous Global Terror List
Making the announcement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated, "Today, the Department of State is designating The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation and Specially Designated Global Terrorist. These actions highlight the Trump administration's resolve to advance US national security, combat terrorism, and uphold President Trump's demand for justice for the Pahalgam attack." With this designation, TRF now joins the ranks of other globally condemned terror groups like ISIS, Hamas, Hezbollah, Boko Haram, Al-Shabaab, and the Islamic Jihad Union.
The listing is being hailed as a significant success for India’s multi-pronged global diplomatic effort. According to officials, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s crucial visit to Washington and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s high-level bilateral meetings during the recent Quad Summit played a pivotal role. Additionally, a cross-party delegation led by senior parliamentarian Shashi Tharoor engaged with American lawmakers, showcasing rare bipartisan consensus on tackling terror emanating from Pakistan. India had also informed the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) of TRF's direct role in the Pahalgam massacre, in which 26 civilians lost their lives.
Legal Implications: Freezing Assets and Sanctions
The FTO and SDGT designations have serious legal and financial implications. US law now forbids American citizens and organizations from providing any material support to TRF, severely restricts immigration, and freezes any TRF-related assets within US jurisdiction. "These measures will suffocate funding networks, derail logistical chains, and withhold shelter for TRF operatives," a top Indian security officer said to PTI.
The April 22 Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Baisaran meadow was carried out solely by Pakistani terrorists on direct orders from Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) leadership. Investigations also showed that the attack unit was commanded by Sulaiman, a suspected former Pakistani special forces commando who underwent training at the LeT Muridke compound. He and two other Pakistani terrorists killed 26 civilians in a targeted operation similar to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
India's Zero Tolerance for Terrorism
In its release, the Indian Embassy in Washington stated, "Another example of robust India-USA counter-terrorism collaboration. Thank the Department of State for the designation of The Resistance Front as an FTO and SDGT. TRF is a Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy and was responsible for the April 22 attack in Pahalgam. ZERO TOLERANCE for terrorism!" In response to the massacre, India conducted Operation Sindoor on 7 May, attacking several terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Post-attacks, seven Indian multi-party delegations traveled to more than 30 global capitals to bring attention to Pakistan's ongoing sponsorship of cross-border terror.
This US action will bolster India's complaint about Pakistan at the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), where Islamabad remains in perpetual focus for terror funding and hosting UN-sanctioned terrorists.