Jammu and Kashmir: At least 26 were killed and several were injured after terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in the Baisaran area of Pahalgam on Tuesday. The barbaric incident has sent shockwaves across India and around the world, with leaders condemning the attack. As per the latest reports, the responsibility for the brutal killing has been claimed by the Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy outfit of Lashkar-e-Taiba. Sources revealed that terrorist Saifullah Khalid is likely the mastermind behind the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
Who Is Saifullah Khalid?
Saifullah Khalid, also known as Saifullah Kasuri, is the deputy chief of the Pakistan-based terrorist organization, Lashkar-e-Taiba. According to reports, he maintains a close connection with Pakistani terrorist Hafiz Saeed. Khalid, who gets full support of Pakistan, is a ‘favourite asset’ of army officers, and roams freely there. He is also infamous for giving several Jihadi speeches.
Khalid is also accused of instigating the Pak Army and brainwashing the youth, reports added. He was even recently called by the Pakistani Army to give a Jihadi speech in Kanganpur, Punjab, Pakistan.
What Is TRF?
The TRF was banned by the Central Government in 2024, given its involvement in the recruitment of youth & terrorists through the online medium for furtherance of violent extremism. The group actively indulges in the infiltration of terrorists and smuggling weapons and drugs from Pakistan into Jammu and Kashmir.
This group was formed in 2019 as an outfit proxy of the banned Pakistani Islamist Salafi jihadist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba, which was involved in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Meanwhile, TRF Commander Sheikh Sajjad Gul has been designated as a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act 1967. TRF is infamous for carrying out brutal attacks targeting civilians, security forces, and political figures in J&K from time to time.
Also Read: Pahalgam Terror Attack: Navy Officer From Karnal ‘Married Four Days Ago’ Among Those Killed
