https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Inside the Tough Choices: Shesh Paul Vaid on Azhar Masood’s Release and Post-Wani Kashmir

Shesh Paul Vaid faced one of his most challenging moments as he supervised the release of the notorious terrorist Azhar Masood, a decision he describes as a heavy burden on his heart and a stark reminder of the difficult compromises in the fight against terrorism.
Indian Masterminds Stories

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.
Link Here :


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
Ajay Bhadoo IAS
IAS Ajay Bhadoo Given Addl Charge of DGFT for Three Months
BHEL_resized
IFS Shiv Pal Singh's Tenure as CVO of BHEL Extended Until 2026 - Know About Him
SCOPE scope
SCOPE and ICAI Sign MoU to Strengthen Corporate Governance & Professional Devt
govt_assam_resized
3 IAS of Assam-Meghalaya 2024 Batch Posted to District Training Posts, Tejas Agnihotri Posted As AC, Nagaon
chandigarh_1630728998
IAS Nitin Kumar Yadav Assigned Addl Charge as CMD of MMTC, PEC, & STC
Ministry of Steel
India Eyes 300 MT Steel Production by 2030, Govt Tightens Quality and Price Controls
IAS Officers Indian Administrative Services (IAS)
IAS Amit Kumar Agrawal Appointed Member Secy of Supreme Court Panel on Farmers’ Protest
ips-officer Latest
Andhra Pradesh Govt Initiates Disciplinary Proceedings Against Senior IPS Officer P.V. Sunil Kumar
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
WAVES 2025 (Ashutosh Mohile)
A Davos-Like Media & Entertainment Summit in Mumbai
Aditya Vikram Agarwal
The Shouts of Joy Were Real: Aditya’s UPSC Rank 9 Was a Family Celebration
Dr Lokesh M IAS
E-Rickshaw Chaos, Waterlogging, Traffic Mess — Can Noida Fix Its Daily Chaos? | Exclusive with Dr Lokesh M, IAS
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
Sanskriti Trivedy
AIR 17 Sanskriti Trivedy’s Final Shot at UPSC Hits the Bullseye
Despite already securing Rank 352 and joining IDAS, SanskritiTrivedy didn’t give up on her dream. In...
Aditya Vikram Agarwal
The Shouts of Joy Were Real: Aditya’s UPSC Rank 9 Was a Family Celebration
“UPSC is not the only path. If you are in any field… UPSC is not the only way to serve the nation. Be...
Raj Krishna Jha UPSC
Managing Study with a Full-Time Job, 4 Failures, & a Dream: UPSC Topper Raj Krishna Jha's Journey | Exclusive
From repeated failures to AIR 8, Raj Krishna Jha’s UPSC success proves that perseverance and strategic...
Social Media
GozJlgrXYAAHoKv
Murals for Cleanliness: Thoothukudi District Launches Art-Inspired Sanitation Drive in Panchayats
Local artists add colour and messages to village walls, promoting hygiene and community pride
Himanshu Nagpal IAS
Varanasi's Beggar Rehabilitation Initiative Recognised by UIDAI, CDO Himanshu Nagpal Shares the News
Mr. Himanshu Nagpal is a 2019-batch IAS officer
IAS Vaishali Chopra
Young IAS Vaishali Chopra Takes a Stand Against Caste Bias During Field Training in Uttar Pradesh
While the issue itself may seem small, the post is resonating widely online for its honest reflection...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
Ajay Bhadoo IAS
IAS Ajay Bhadoo Given Addl Charge of DGFT for Three Months
BHEL_resized
IFS Shiv Pal Singh's Tenure as CVO of BHEL Extended Until 2026 - Know About Him
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
WAVES 2025 (Ashutosh Mohile)
Aditya Vikram Agarwal
Dr Lokesh M IAS
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT