The brutal assault occurred on April 22 in Baisaran, a popular meadow destination in Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir, killing 26 civilians. Shortly after the attack, a post from TRF’s digital platform claimed responsibility, causing a media and intelligence storm. However, days later, the same outfit released a formal statement refuting the earlier claim, saying it was the result of a cyber breach.
According to TRF, the now-deleted post was “unauthorised” and planted “as part of a coordinated campaign to malign the Kashmiri resistance.” This reversal raised questions about whether it was a genuine cyber-intrusion or a desperate tactic to control the fallout.
‘Digital Fingerprints’ and Disinformation
TRF’s new statement claimed that an “internal audit” revealed indicators pointing to Indian cyber-intelligence involvement. It alleged that Indian agencies manipulated their communication networks, exploiting vulnerabilities in digital infrastructure.
“The early indicators suggest fingerprints of Indian cyber-intelligence operatives,” the TRF said, accusing Indian agencies of “digital warfare” and “orchestrated chaos for political gains.”
While Indian intelligence agencies have not officially responded to the claim, security experts believe the sudden denial is part of a broader effort to deflect global condemnation and maintain plausible deniability for Pakistan-based groups.
Probing the Truth: Investigations Underway
Indian security agencies continue their own probe into the attack. Investigators are analyzing intercepted digital chatter and social media traces, while intelligence agencies suspect the TRF’s new statement is intended to shield Pakistan from diplomatic heat.
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Security analysts argue that this is not the first time proxy groups have used cyber-intrusion as a narrative tool. “Denial and disinformation are part of the playbook,” said a former RAW officer. “This new statement might be an attempt to reframe the narrative amid growing international pressure.”
The attack, timed during the early tourist season, has caused panic in Kashmir and disrupted travel to the region. Meanwhile, digital forensics teams are now scanning TRF’s past communications to trace potential breaches — or deliberate diversions.
