Like US, all nations must declare TRF as terrorist outfit: Pahalgam victim Lt Vinay Narwal’s father

Rajesh Narwal, father of Lt Vinay Narwal – a young naval officer killed in the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, welcomed the decision of the US to designate the Pakistan-based The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).

TRF had claimed responsibility for the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, in which 26 persons lost their lives, including Indian Navy Lt Narwal hailing from Karnal.

Reacting to the US decision, Rajesh Narwal, expressed support for the move, calling it long overdue. “TRF is not a new group. It emerged as a front for Lashkar-e-Taiba after the abrogation of Article 370. Its aim was to mislead the public and target non-Kashmiri communities, security forces and innocent civilians,” he said.

Narwal stressed that India had already classified TRF as a terrorist group. “They have carried out numerous attacks on security patrols, paramilitary forces and civilians. The US has only now taken this step after TRF claimed responsibility for the massacre in Pahalgam, which included the murder of my son and 25 others,” he added.

Calling TRF a “mask” for Lashkar-e-Taiba, he said the group was designed to stay active under a new name. “They have committed multiple heinous crimes and killed our brave soldiers and civilians. The US ban is completely justified,” he said.

Rajesh Narwal credited the Indian government’s diplomatic efforts for this international recognition. “After the Pahalgam attack, the Prime Minister and External Affairs Minister strongly raised this issue on global platforms. Their constant engagement has now led the US to officially blacklist TRF,” he said.

He urged other countries to follow suit. “Just like the US, all nations must declare TRF and similar organisations as terrorist outfits. Not just in India — any group involved in terror activities anywhere in the world must face global sanctions.”

Narwal stressed that mere listing is not enough. “Being added to a list is just the beginning. There must be concrete actions. Those involved should not just be punished, they must be eliminated. Only then will terrorism be rooted out and people will be safe,” he asserted.

Haryana Tribune