Terror Alert: India briefs UN on Pak-based TRF behind Pahalgam attack

Indian officials have informed the UN Security Council’s 1267 Sanctions Committee about the activities of The Resistance Front (TRF), a terror outfit linked to the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people. The move is part of India’s continued efforts to have the group designated as a global terrorist entity.

TRF’s link to Lashkar-e-Taiba and Pahalgam attack

TRF is known to be a front for the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The group initially claimed responsibility for the deadly attack in Pahalgam before retracting the claim under alleged pressure from its handlers in Pakistan. Indian security agencies maintain that TRF serves as a proxy for LeT and other Pakistan-based terror groups.

Indian team meets UN monitoring group

A technical team from India is currently in New York to interact with the UN 1267 Sanctions Committee’s monitoring group and other key UN partners. The team will also engage with representatives from the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED). These interactions aim to provide detailed evidence of TRF’s operations and its affiliations with banned organisations.

India seeks global terrorist designation for TRF

India is pressing the UN to officially designate TRF as a global terror group. In support of this, India has submitted half-yearly reports to the 1267 monitoring team in May and November 2024, and earlier in December 2023. These reports detail TRF’s role in aiding LeT and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) operations in Jammu and Kashmir.

Foreign secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that India will soon update the monitoring team with more evidence to support the designation.

Background on Operation Sindoor

Following the Pahalgam attack, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan-controlled territories. This triggered four days of intense military action involving drones, missiles, and long-range weapons. A ceasefire understanding was reached by both sides on May 10.

Role of the 1267 Sanctions Committee

The 1267 Sanctions Committee is responsible for maintaining the UN’s list of sanctioned terrorists and entities. It enforces actions like freezing financial assets, travel bans, and arms embargoes. The monitoring team also supports efforts to curb terror financing and collaborates with international bodies like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

India’s latest outreach is a step towards global action against terror groups operating with cross-border support.