Born and raised in Jammu & Kashmir, Shesh Paul Vaid carved a distinguished career in the Indian Police Service (IPS), eventually becoming the Director General of Police (DGP) in the very state he called home. Despite securing his home cadre, Vaid never imagined rising to the position of DGP, nor did he attempt the civil services exam again, demonstrating his deep commitment to his roots and duties.
Vaid’s career began as the Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Badgaon, a region where he later served as Superintendent of Police (SP). His early postings were marked by a focus on combating terrorism, leading to his appointment as the head of the first Anti-Terror Task Force. As Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Jammu, Vaid pioneered a police-community partnership, understanding that counterterrorism required more than just force; it needed the trust and involvement of the local population.
One of his significant contributions was the establishment of the first Village Defence Committee, a crucial step in preventing the ethnic cleansing that could have devastated Jammu. By distributing rifles to ten villagers, he empowered communities to protect themselves, a move that proved instrumental in curbing terrorist activities. However, Vaid’s career was not without its challenges. He supervised the release of the notorious terrorist Azhar Masood, an experience he describes as the lowest moment for the country and a heavy burden on his heart. Masood’s release, mandated by higher authorities, was a stark reminder of the complexities and compromises involved in counterterrorism.
In 2016, Vaid took charge as DGP of J&K following the death of Burhan Wani, a period marked by intense unrest. With daily stone-pelting incidents and a surge in terrorism, Vaid launched Operation ‘All Out,’ coordinating with commanders of various forces to restore order. Under his leadership, the situation in J&K began to stabilize, a testament to his unwavering dedication and strategic acumen.
Today, as the state navigates its future post the revocation of Article 370, Shesh Paul Vaid’s legacy as a steadfast guardian of Jammu & Kashmir endures, reflecting his lifelong commitment to peace and security in the region.
Curious about the challenges of handling a terrorist like Azhar Masood before his release? Want to know how Shesh Paul Vaid navigated the turbulent situation in the valley after Burhan Wani’s death? Discover what it was like to serve as the DGP of J&K during the tense period before the revocation of Article 370. Watch the interview below to learn more.
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