Army conducts 1,212-km cycling expedition to mark diamond jubilee of 1965 Indo-Pak war
Jammu (PTI): The Army's Tiger Division has successfully conducted a 1,212-km cycling expedition commemorating the diamond jubilee of the 1965 Indo-Pak war, a defence spokesperson said on Tuesday.
The expedition commenced from Jammu, touched Keylong in Himachal Pradesh and culminated back here after traversing diverse and challenging terrain, the spokesperson said in a statement.
The expedition rigorously tested the physical endurance, mental resilience and determination of the participating troops, while reinforcing discipline, teamwork and the spirit of adventure, the statement said.
Exposure to varied geographical and climatic conditions further enhanced robustness, adaptability and cohesion among the riders, according to the spokesperson.
During the journey, the cycling team interacted with ex-servicemen and school students at multiple locations, the officer said, adding that these engagements provided an opportunity to honour veterans for their selfless service and inspired the youth by sharing the values, traditions and legacy of the Army.
The cycling expedition stands as a befitting tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the heroes of the 1965 Indo-Pak War, while reaffirming the Tiger Division's commitment to physical excellence and nation-building, he said.
Pedalling the Legacy of Valour! 🚴♂️
— Rising Star Corps_IA (@RisingStarCorps) December 31, 2025
A 1,212-km Cycling Expedition from Jammu to Keylong, commemorating the Diamond Jubilee of the victory in 1965 Indo-Pak War. Interactions with school students and Ex-Servicemen inspired the youth and honoured the enduring legacy of our veterans.… pic.twitter.com/jMZzT87D07
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Houses only for eligible evictees, not encroachers: Dy CM Shivakumar
Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister D K Shivakumar on Tuesday said the state government would not provide houses to encroachers and would rehabilitate only eligible evictees on humanitarian grounds.
Responding to questions on whether housing would be provided to residents evicted during the recent demolition drive at Kogilu in north Bengaluru, Shivakumar said the government would not “gift” anything to those who had illegally occupied government land. He added that strict action would be taken against those who facilitated encroachments.
“There is no appeasement politics. Housing will be provided through the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana only to eligible evictees on humanitarian grounds,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister said several evictees had informed officials that they were allowed to set up sheds after paying money to intermediaries. “We will take action against those who collected money and enabled encroachment of government land,” he said.
He added that some evictees had claimed land rights were issued to them in the past. “I have asked officials to verify these claims. Some outsiders have also encroached the land recently. We will identify the original settlers and rehabilitate only genuine beneficiaries,” he said.
Responding to criticism from CPI(M) leaders and MPs from Kerala, Shivakumar said, “We are running our government well. They can make any statement they want, but we will not allow encroachments. The Left government in Kerala, which has not fulfilled promises made to flood victims, has no right to lecture Karnataka.”
Clarifying remarks attributed to him about Kerala, Shivakumar said he had not spoken ill of Keralites. “BJP leader Rajeev Chandrashekhar is twisting my statement and misleading people. I share a good relationship with the people of Kerala. I will campaign in the Kerala elections, and our government will come to power there,” he said.
He also said local body elections would be held next year and that the state’s guarantee schemes would continue.
Meanwhile, Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje and other BJP leaders accused the Congress government of providing houses to “illegal immigrants” evicted from government land at Kogilu. Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka alleged that illegal immigrants from Bangladesh were residing in the area using fake Aadhaar cards.
