When terror strikes, chaos spreads within minutes. Civilians rush to safety, confusion takes over, and uncertainty hangs in the air. Yet in those moments, some officers move in the opposite direction… towards the danger.
In a video interview with Indian Masterminds, senior Jammu & Kashmir Police officer Surinder Choudhary shares insights into what it means to lead counter-terror operations in one of India’s most complex security environments.
Watch now:
THREE DECADES IN UNIFORM
Surinder Choudhary’s journey in policing began in 1993, when he joined the force as a Sub-Inspector. Over more than three decades, his career has been shaped by operational assignments, counter-insurgency work, and leadership roles across Jammu & Kashmir.
His commitment to duty was recognised early. In 1997, he received the Director General’s Medal for exemplary service. A year later, in 1998, he earned an Out-of-Turn Promotion to Inspector for bravery and success in eliminating militants during counter-insurgency operations.
One of the most defining moments of his career came in 2000, during an encounter with militants in District Udhampur. While leading the operation, Choudhary sustained three bullet injuries but continued directing the mission. For this act of gallantry, he was later awarded the Police Medal for Gallantry (PMG) in 2003.
FROM THE FIELD TO INTERNATIONAL PEACEKEEPING
In 2008, Surinder Choudhary was inducted into the Jammu & Kashmir Police Service (JKPS) and promoted to the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP).
His career also took him beyond India’s borders. He represented the country in United Nations Peacekeeping Missions, serving in Kosovo and Haiti, contributing to global efforts for peace and security.
In 2020, he was promoted to the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP).
OPERATIONAL ROLES ACROSS JAMMU & KASHMIR
Over the years, Choudhary has served in several key operational roles, gaining extensive experience in both policing and counter-insurgency environments. His assignments have included:
- Station House Officer (SHO) in multiple police stations
- SDPO Mendhar
- SDPO R.S. Pura
- DySP Operations Reasi
- Additional SP Samba
Currently, he serves as Deputy Commandant of the IR-14 Battalion, continuing his service with a focus on operational readiness, discipline, and maintaining law and order.
DUTY IN THE FACE OF UNCERTAINTY
Perhaps the most demanding responsibility is leading teams into situations where there is no guarantee everyone will return safely.
In such moments, courage must always be balanced with caution. Every step must consider the safety of personnel as well as civilians.
For officers like Surinder Choudhary, counter-terror policing is not defined by dramatic moments alone. It is a lifelong commitment to protecting lives, maintaining stability, and making critical decisions in places where every second matters.
