Kashmir Terror Attack 2025: TRF Role, Pakistan’s Link & Impact of General Asim Munir’s Speech

 What Happened?

• Indian intelligence is looking into whether a speech by Pakistan's Army Chief General Asim Munir played a role in a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. This attack happened just when US Vice President JD Vance was visiting India.

Key Details of the Attack:

• Location: The attack took place in the Baisaran meadow, a popular tourist spot near Pahalgam in South Kashmir.

• Attackers: A group of 6 armed terrorists, dressed in Indian Army uniforms, attacked tourists.
  

• Casualties: 28 people were killed, including Indian civilians, foreign nationals, and at least one Indian naval officer on leave.
  

• Targeting Victims: The attackers specifically targeted people based on religion. Victims who couldn’t recite Islamic verses were shot at close range.

• Terrorist Group: The Resistance Front (TRF), a group linked to Pakistan’s military and supported by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility.

How the Attack Happened:

The attackers used AK-series rifles, wore army uniforms, and used military commands, showing that they were likely trained by state or semi-state actors. This suggests that the attack had support or encouragement from Pakistan.

General Asim Munir’s Speech:

• Date: April 16, 2025 (Just six days before the attack)

• Event: General Munir gave a speech at the Overseas Pakistanis Convention in Islamabad.

Key Points from the Speech:

• Kashmir as "Jugular Vein": General Munir called Kashmir Pakistan’s “jugular vein,” a term that has been used in the past by leaders like Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and General Zia-ul-Haq to describe Pakistan’s strong obsession with Kashmir.

• Religious Divide: He stressed that Pakistan and India are separate nations, focusing on the religious differences between Hindus and Muslims.

• Military Support for Kashmir: Munir hinted that Pakistan would continue to support “struggles” in Kashmir, signaling that Pakistan’s support for terrorism in Kashmir won’t stop.

• Military Commitment: Munir also mentioned Pakistan’s army would fight hard against separatists in Balochistan.

Why This Speech Matters:

• The timing of Munir’s speech was significant because it happened just before the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. His words seemed to encourage radical elements within Pakistan who might be committed to causing trouble in Kashmir.

• He made it clear that Pakistan would stand by its position on Kashmir and would continue to support any efforts against India, which could have triggered or inspired the attack in Pahalgam.

Coincidence with the U.S. Visit:

The attack also occurred when U.S. Vice President JD Vance was visiting India. Some believe the attack was meant to:

• Embarrass India on the international stage.

• Hurt India's security image, especially as India’s relationship with the U.S. is growing.

• Shift the focus back to Kashmir in global media, exploiting the timing.

Past Examples of Similar Attacks:

• March 2000 - Chittisinghpura Massacre: Just before President Bill Clinton visited India, 35 Sikhs were killed in an attack by men in Indian Army uniforms. The attack was blamed on Lashkar-e-Taiba, and it was meant to create tension between India and the U.S.

• August 2000 - Amarnath Yatra Massacre: More than 100 people, including Hindu pilgrims, were killed in an attack targeting the Amarnath Yatra. This attack aimed to disrupt religious harmony and tourism in Kashmir.

India’s Response:

• Indian Action: The Indian government responded quickly. Union Home Minister Amit Shah went to Srinagar to oversee a counter-insurgency operation in South Kashmir.

• Intelligence Findings: Indian agencies have traced the attack back to handlers in Pakistan-administered Kashmir (Rawalkot and Muzaffarabad).

• Suspected Leader: Abu Musa, a key figure linked to the TRF, is believed to have organized the attack. His recent speeches also called for continued violence in Kashmir.

Conclusion:

• General Munir’s speech, filled with nationalistic and military language, seems to have been more than just words. The Pahalgam attack appears to have been carefully timed and planned, possibly as a way to provoke India and send a message about Pakistan’s commitment to the Kashmir cause.