The group is responsible for killing of civilians,[4][5] several government officials,[6][7][8][9] attacking Indian forces,[10][11][12] radicalizing youth for recruitment and training in handling guns, ammunition and explosives.[13]
PAFF is among several newly emerged militant groups[3] like
The Resistance Front,[15][16] United Liberation Front,[17][18] and Ghaznavi Force.[19][20] These groups strive to appear more 'secular'[21][22] unlike their predecessor militant groups like
Jaish-e-Mohammed,
Lashkar-e-Taiba,
Hizbul Mujahideen, in terms of their nomenclature, logos and slogans, as well as the nature and tone of messaging and communication through their pamphlets. For instance, the names of each of the newly emergent groups depict a clear departure from Islamic nomenclature as adopted by their predecessors.[22] The emphasis of groups like the PAFF or Lashkar-e-Taiba backed The Resistance Front[23] on terminology such as "resistance against occupation," "fascism" and "fascist forces" stems from a desire to justify their activities using a more secular-looking messaging instead of a call for
jihad against infidels used by their parent organisations.[21][22][24] This change is also seen in the logos used by People's Anti-Fascist Front and other outfits.[22]
The PAFF, along with other militant groups have engaged in a form of 'Hybrid Militancy'. A method by which ordinary citizens are recruited into the organization, and return to their normal lives after committing acts of terrorism.[25][26][27]
^"PAFF, a proxy of JeM, declared a terrorist organisation". The Hindu. 7 January 2023. Along with other organisations, the PAFF is indulging in the radicalisation of impressionable youth for recruitment and training in handling guns, ammunition and explosives. The group has also been involved in terrorism. It has committed and participated in various acts of terrorism in India, MHA said
^
ab"Jaish affiliate PAFF declared terrorist group". The Indian Express. 7 January 2023. According to a notification issued by the MHA, the PAFF emerged in 2019 as a proxy outfit of JeM, a proscribed terrorist organisation.
^
abShah, Khalid (24 November 2021).
"The Evolution of Homegrown Militancy in Kashmir Since August 5, 2019". South Asian Voices. Changing Militancy in Kashmir: These brands have adopted a more secularized idiom and ideology to justify their activities, emphasizing resistance against occupation, fascism and hindutva as raison d'etre instead of jihad or a religious war.
^"'Hybrid' militants, a new challenge for security forces in Kashmir". The Hindu. 5 July 2021. Security forces in Kashmir are facing a new challenge on the militancy front — the presence of "hybrid" militants who are not listed as ultras but persons radicalised enough to carry out a terror strike and then slip back into the routine life.
^Shah, Khalid (24 November 2021).
"The Evolution of Homegrown Militancy in Kashmir Since August 5, 2019". South Asian Voices. Security forces have increased pistol recoveries post-encounters, and in many cases, the slain militants were found weapon-less. While the dearth of weaponry may have come as a challenge, militants improvised tactics, leading to security forces grabbling with what they describe as "Hybrid Militancy."