The U.S. has officially declared The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). This comes after the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Jammu & Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians, reportedly carried out by the TRF.
Background of the Incident
- TRF is believed to be a front organization for Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a Pakistan-based terror group.
- The group took responsibility for the Pahalgam attack, which was one of the deadliest in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
U.S. Response
- The U.S. State Department announced TRF’s designation as part of its counter-terrorism efforts.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the decision highlights the U.S.’s resolve to counter terrorism and support justice for victims.
- The move is also seen as a commitment to protect U.S. national security and support its allies like India.
India’s Stand and Actions
- India welcomed the U.S. decision as a strong signal of joint counter-terrorism efforts.
- External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called the move a “strong affirmation” of India-U.S. cooperation against terrorism.
- After the attack, India launched Operation Sindoor targeting terrorist bases and ran a diplomatic campaign globally to get TRF banned.
Global Efforts
- A UN Security Council resolution condemned the Pahalgam attack but did not name TRF directly.
- India presented evidence to the UN 1267 Sanctions Committee in New York to push for global listing.
- Quad Foreign Ministers, during their July 1 meeting, also condemned the attack.
Significance
- The designation is a major diplomatic win for India in its global campaign against terrorism.
- It reflects deepening India-U.S. security ties and reinforces the global stance of zero tolerance for terrorism.
Conclusion:
This move strengthens international coordination on terrorism and is a positive step for India’s ongoing efforts to hold terror groups accountable.
