The Indian Army and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday marked the 26th death anniversary of Captain Vikram Batra, paying homage to the officer’s “unmatched bravery and sacrifice” during the 1999 Kargil War. Military units posted a video montage recounting Batra’s exploits, while Singh called his actions a lasting example of courage in the nation’s service. Batra, popularly known by his radio call sign “Sher Shah”, was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for leading daring assaults that seized Pt 5140 and, days later, Pt 4875 in the high-altitude battlefield of Kargil. According to the Army’s tribute, he neutralised nine enemy soldiers in close combat during the two operations despite sustaining grievous injuries. Monday’s remembrance is part of a series of events ahead of Kargil Vijay Diwas on 26 July, which will mark 26 years since India’s victory in Operation Vijay. Ceremonies honouring fallen soldiers are expected to continue throughout the month across military installations and memorials.