Hussani Blood Bank sets up a unit for pilgrims
Sakina reviews arrangements for Amarnath Yatra

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, July 19 - Minister of State for Tourism and Floriculture Ms Sakina Itoo yesterday visited Pahalgam and Chandanwari to review the arrangements for smooth conduct of Amarnath Yatra.

The Minister was accompanied Director General Tourism, Mr. Mohammad Ashraf, Assistant Chief Executive Officer, Amarnath Shrine Board, Mr. Naveen Chowdhary and other senior officers of Tourism department.

While reviewing the arrangements, the Minister said the Government has made elaborate measures to ensure adequate availability of essential commodities at every halting station enroute the holy cave. Several available commodities include 20000 lt Kerosene Oil, 250 quintal rice, 4000 quintals fire-wood, 200 tentage, 1000 sleeping bags and 5000 blankets. Besides 5000 ponies have been registered for the convenience of the pilgrims.

The Minister asked the officials to ensure proper management of the facilities so that pilgrims do not suffer also.

Government measures apart, locals are immensely contributing to the smooth yatra, in true with glorious traditions of the Valley. To supplement the efforts, Medical facilities have been made available enroute Pahalgam to holy cave, which include E.C.G, X-ray, Oxygen cylinders and life saving drugs.

A blood bank counter has also been set up at Pahalgam by Hussani Blood Bank, Srinagar.

The Minister inspected the arrangements at 5-bed hospital set up in Noonwan where full medical staff including physician and gynecologist are attending the sick pilgrims.

The JKTDC has set up booking counters at Jammu, Pahalgam and other halting stations for providing tented accommodation to the yatris. For this purpose, the department has installed sufficient tentage at all the stations.

During his visit the Minister interacted with yatris who expressed their satisfaction over the arrangements made by the Government for smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.

The Minister also interacted with the pony porters and locals businessmen of the area. She gave them a patient hearing and assured that their problems would be taken up at the earnest.

Wuyan Cement Factory generates Rs. 386.64 lakhs
during last three years

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, July 19 - The Wuyan Cement Factory, one of the subsidiaries of JK Minerals, is all set to achieve production target of 6000 MTs during the current year. Of this, 1651 MTs of cement have been produced during the first three months of the current year generating a revenue of Rs. 49.54 lakhs.

With a view to sustain the production at current level and also to enhance the production level of cement, the company intends to install an additional vertical shaft kiln of 50 TPD capacity in the plant at Wuyan. The installation of the kiln involves an investment of Rs. 70 lakhs, the proposal of which has already been placed before the Government for providing plan assistance.

Set up in 1962 by J&K Minerals the Wuyan cement plant has been reactivised in the first quarter of 1999-2000 as a result of which the plant produces 6000 MTs in 2000-2001 as against the production of 5573 MTs in 1999-2000. During the past three years the factory has generated revenue to the tune of Rs. Rs. 386.64 lakh, of this, the plant generated a revenue of Rs. 30.40 lakh in 1998-99, Rs. 150.50 lakhs in 1999-2000, Rs. 156.20 lakh in 2000-01 and Rs. 49.54 lakhs during the first quarter of the current year.

J&K Minerals also has two precast concrete factories, one at Bari Brahamna, Jammu and other at Wuyan, Pulwama. Both the factories produced spun pipes and PCC poles. During last three years these factories have generated revenue of Rs. 31.49 lakhs. The Government is contemplating to revive these factories on commercial purposes in order to generate more revenue and compete with the market.

British Petroleum launches new engine oil in Jammu

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, July 19: The BP Vanellus Multigrade Diesel Engine Oil a new product of British Petroleum was launched at a dealers and distributors meet organised by the company at Hotel K C Residency here this evening.

Launching the product Mr Nilesh Koul the Company’s Brand Manager said this new engine oil product reduces the diesel consumption by over five percent.

He said this high performance engine oil is recommended for use in all types of engines and vehicles like trucks, LCVs, tractors, jeeps and buses running on diesel. The BP Engine Oil is specially formulated with unique Viscotrons to deliver 5.1 per cent higher fuel efficiency, he added.

Giving further details he said this engine oil also offers superior engine performance under tough operating conditions besides superior engine protection and cleanliness. The product is currently available in 205 litre, five litre and one litre pack sizes, he added.

He said the material for pack comes from Australia and packs are transparent so that consumer is fully satisfied with the quality and quantity of the product.

He said the engine oil is economical and helps the drivers in saving the money whose 60 per cent cost as per survey on running a vehicle is spent on diesel and as the diesel prices have gone up 65 per cent in last 18 months the BP engine oil can compensate it to a great extent.

Mr Koul said the other products of the company include BP Energear EP 90/BP Energear EP-140, B P Energrease A P 3 and B P Pump Set Special Oil.

Regarding BP Energear EP he said the high performance gear oils of his company are recommended for use in all types of heavy duty gear boxes and rear axle drives and they offer excellent lubricity ensuring smooth gear changes, superior corrosion protection , improve rust and wear protection along with anti loam characteristics even under extreme conditions.

He said the BP Energrease AP 3 is the high performance grease which has been recommended for use in plain and roller bearings of all types and in all kinds of energy where continuous operating temperatures are in the range of 20 degree to 130 degree C. This grease is also water resistant and has high oxidation and corrosion inhibitors ensuring long grease life and higher protection to metals surface.

Regarding the BP Pump Set Special Oil he said this engine oil is recommended for use in all types of agricultural pumps and engines used in industries.

Inaugurating the meet Mr Rajiv Sharma,Area Sales Manager of BP for J&K and Punjab introduced his other colleagues with the dealers and distributors.

He said the British Petroleum is on the number two among the petroleum Companies in the world and its group,turnover is Rs 589,500 crore while the group net income is Rs 63,000 crore.

He said the company provides employment to 100,000 people all over the world and it operates in 150 countries.

Mr Sharma said the company is world wide known for its performance. He said while bringing any product in the market the BP keeps the consumers interest in mind.

He said the BP has a vision for future and besides the petroleum our company has taken up the task of exploring the gas and power generation.

He said we respect the nature and our motive is save environment.

Earlier the meet started with a vandna and lighting of traditional lamp by Mr Nagarmal Ji.

Mr Mukesh Sawhney Marketing Trade Manger also highlighted the qualities of the new brand. Mr Som Nath a local distributor was also present on the occasion.

At 98, petitioner still seeks justice
HC issues non-bailable warrants against
Revenue Secretary

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, July 19: Justice R C Gandhi of the State High Court has issued non-bailable warrants against Commissioner-cum-Secretary to the Government Revenue Department J&K for securing his presence before the court on July 31, 2001.

While issuing non-bailable warrants, the court observed that despite granting opportunities to the respondents, they have not filed the statement of facts. As such contempt proceedings are stalled.

This non bailable warrants has been issued in a petition filed by Shiv Nand Gupta retired AAO seeking implementation of the order passed by the High Court on October 30, 1986 in OWP Number 185 of 1984 by treating the petition as an execution application.

In the petition, it was submitted that the petitioner had been leased out in 1939 four in 1939 four kanals of land in Gogji Bagh Srinagar city where he had raised some construction for his residence. But only after this plot remained in his possession for 16 years, it was under some wrong impression resumed by the respondents in 1956 much before the of the lease [period of 40 years. When the respondents realised their mistake, the Revenue Minister submitted a memorandum to the then Council of Ministers in 1962 and it passed a resolution whereunder the then Prime Minister and Housing Minister were directed to allot to Mrs Wadhera and similar other cases including the petitioner alternate plots in lieu of their plots unjustifiable resume from them.

After 28 years hard struggle, the petitioner tried for alternative plot , but without any success. he later approached the High Court. The HC on October 30, 1986 had directed the State to allot land in lieu of the land resumed from the petitioner in Srinagar city. The order was not implemented. Again High Court came out with the directions on August 31, 1989 that four kanals of land be allotted to the petitioner in Srinagar city. On June 26, 1991, the State allowed four canals, but in under0-developed Bemina colony. Al LPA was filed for allotment of land in Srinagar city.

The petitioner, who is 98 years of age, filed this petition for allotment of suitable residential plot measuring four kanals either in Srinagar city or Jammu.

It was submitted by the petitioner’s counsels— A V Gupta and Yasser Ejaz Tak that the petitioner has been subjected to mental torture for the last 40 years for no fault of his and for the same, he be compensated at the rate of rupees 50,000 for every year of the torture petitioner has at the hands of the respondents.

Results of Agra Summit unfortunate:Congress

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, July 19: Pradesh Congress leaders have termed it "unfortunate" that the results of Agra Summit were otherwise, despite the unqualified support to Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee for his dialogue with akistan President Gen Parvez Musharraf.

In a joint statement here, these leaders said that the result of the Summit was not failure, but it will lead to start to peace process.

The statement said that Congress , as the main opposition party has always offered unqualified support to Prime Minister on his peace initiate. However, the statement charged Vajpayee Government fir not making sufficient preparations for laying ground work for the talks.

The statement said that pakistan must understand that " cross border terrorism" should not continue if the relations had to be discussed and resolved peacefully. The statement further castigated Hurriyat for their claim to be the so-called sole representatives of Jammu and Kashmir. " Hurriyat is dancing at the tune of ISI", it was asserted.

Signatories to the statement included Mangat Ram Sharma, Ayub Khan, Amrit Malhotra, Divakar Singh, Yash Pal Khajuria, Moti Lal Koul, Ram Dass Dogra, Shiv Dev Singh, Ashok Sharma, Balbir Singh, Raman Bhalla, Laxmi Dutta, Gharoo Ram, Romesh Motton, Jagan Nath, Kuldeep Sharma, Ashwani Sharma, Balak Ram, Prem Sagar, Sardari Lal, Girdhari Lal, Kamal Bakshi, Kewal Koul, Shabir Ahmad Khan, Kanta Bhan, Nirmal kamal, Binod Mishra, Lalita Sharma, Raj Bakshi, Santosh malhotra, Surjeet Singh M M Gupta, Chajju Ram, Ram Rattan Sharma, Janak Raj Sharma, Rajinder Singh, Sewa Ram, Chaman Jain and Kamal Anand.

Delink Jammu, Ladakh from Kashmir issue;
take tough stand: APJSM

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, July 19: All Parties Jammu Statehood Movement (APJSM), a conglomerate of sixteen parties has warned the Central Government not to negotiate or adopt bargaining tactics over Kashmir as any solution which will effect the sentiments of the people of Jammu will not be acceptable to them.

Addressing a joint press conference here today, the leaders of the confedration said that India should adopt aggressive stance to liberate areas occupied by Kashmir rather than making negotiations and restricting boundaries of the J&K up to LOC only. He said all the areas measuring over 32,500 Sq. miles occupied by Pakistan and also under the occupation of China should be liberated.

It should be well understood by the Central leaders that people of Jammu and Ladakh regions do not want what a section of Kashmiri people like Hurriyat want. Nobody can thrust the decisions on the people of Jammu and Ladakh which suits to a few Kashmiri leaders. The Government of India must set aside the appeasement policy or the Nehru policy, which encourages secessionist elements in the State. It should now realise that the days are gone now and every individual in the Jammu region is concerned about their rights and not ready to tolerate discrimination any longer.

While commenting on the Agra summit, Prof Varinder Gupta pointed out that talks failed due to non-flexibility shown by Gen Musharraf of Pakistan. He did not respond to the issue of cross border terrorism support of his country, when it was taken up by India. On the other hand India apparently, did not project its case properly and the preparations on the both sides seemed to be inadequate. Over all Gen Musharraf was responsible for the dead lock. In fact, he had come here with closed mind and preconceived notions and perceptions of the tense relations.

Musharraf’s insistence on Hurriyat being the sole representative of Kashmir in utter disregard to the ground realities of the situation his reiteration of moral, political and diplomatic support to Kashmiri secessionists on the eve of his visit to India, all these were ample proofs of his closed mind and a set agenda. Pak General was only hoodwinking the international community and trying to consolidate his position in his own country as well as provide incentive to the terrorists sponsored by his country in Indian part of J&K.

Mr Yash Bhasin, pointed out that Government of India should not succumb before any sort of international pressure. It should demonstrate its determination and courage to crush militancy with iron hands. It should immediately take steps to delink Jammu and Ladakh from Kashmir to isolate these two regions from Kashmiri secessionist militancy as also to localise the Kashmir unrest to the Valley alone. Then it can solve the unrest and alienation in Kashmir valley through negotiations with all sections of Kashmiris within the frame work of Indian constitution.

While it should take concrete steps to strengthen nationalist forces in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh it must take early effective steps to recognise Jammu and Kashmir by creating separate states of Jammu, Kashmir and Union Territory for Ladakh. This alone can be viable solution of the present impasse and remove alienation of all sections of the people in all the three regions.

He further disclosed that members of all the parties and groups including—Jammu Mukti Morcha, J&K Panthers Party, Confedration of Jammu Lawyers, Janata Dal (S), Jammu Statehood Front, Jammu Muslim United Front, Rajput Sabha, Central Brahman Sabha, Brahman Pratinidhi Sabha, Janata Dal (U), National Panthers Party, Kashyap Rajput Sabha, Mahajan Sabha, Aggrawal Sabha, Mahasha Biradari, Akali Dal (Badal), Dogra Kranti Dal and some prominent individuals will take a pledge on August 15 on the day of Independence of India at a rally near Super Bazar to strive and make all sacrifices to create Jammu state. The national flag will be hoisted, followed by a scooter/ car rally in the temple city. Mr H B Khajuria, Mr Dhanraj Bargotra (JD), Mr Rameshwar Singh, Col K S Jamwal and Mr Qazi also spoke in the conference.

Paper on global peace presented by Susheel Gabgotra

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, July 19: Mr Susheel Gabgotra, Administrative-cum-Finance Officer, Centre for Electronics Design and Technology of India (CEDTI) presented a paper on "global peace" at the International Press Meet held at Hague, The Netherlands from June 29 to July 1. The meet was jointly organised by Ehipassiko, Netherland and the International Association for the Future of Humanity (IAFH).

As per a release, during the meet, Mr Gabgotra emphasised on the need for constitution of global peace force by various Non-Government Groups/organisation towards solution for conflict areas to prevent death, destruction, protect the human rights and creating the space for local groups to struggle non-violently, enter into dialogue and seek peaceful resolution.

Mr Gabgotra was also a visitor to the Institute of Social Sciences (ISS) at Hague which is the premier International Post Graduate School of Policy Oriented, Social Sciences Teaching and Research in the area of management and development studies.

During his tour, Mr Gabgotra also had an opportunity to visit Syria, Germany, Belgium, France and UK to study the cultural heritage of these countries.

JDA threatens to go on strike
Scuffle between pharmacist, Jr medico in
Emergency Ward

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, July 19: The Junior Doctors Association (JDA) has threatened to start agitation if the senior authorities of the Government Medical College Hospital failed to take strict action against a Pharmacist, who allegedly used unparliamentary language against one of the junior medico in the Emergency Ward today.

The eye-witnesses said that one of the Pharmacist Mr Sunny posted in the Emergency Ward of hospital used ‘unparliamentary’ language against a junior doctor Shehzad over a minor issue which was objected by the latter.

After verbal dual the Pharmacist reportedly gave severe thrashing to the junior medico which made the situation worst. However, some security personnel of the hospital intervened in the matter and pacified the situation.

As soon as the news of scuffle between junior medico and pharmacist spread, all the junior doctors in the Emergency Ward and Post Recovery Ward reached the Casualty Medical Officer’s room and tried to narrate him the whole story.

The junior doctors told the visiting EXCELSIOR Correspondent that the CMO instead of giving patient hearing to them ordered them to go out of the room. Thereafter, the junior medicos left their duties and gathered outside the Emergency Ward.

Getting the report of scuffle between the junior doctor and a pharmacist, Superintendent of the hospital Dr Ramesh Gupta immediately reached the spot and listened to both the pharmacist and doctors. He assured the junior medicos that he will bring the matter to the notice of Principal Dr H L Goswami on Monday as he is out of station.

The doctors told this Correspondent that there has not been any rotationl basis duties of the pharmacists posted in the Emergency Ward and for the last two years the said Pharmacist is in this ward. They alleged that the said pharmacist has record of using ‘unparliamentary’ language against the staff of the Emergency Ward particularly the junior doctors.

They threatened to go on strike if the said Pharmacist was not transferred from the Government Medical College Hospital by Tuesday. "We will boycott the classes and all the wards of the hospital if our demand was not conceded by then", president of the JDA Dr Ashfaq Kohli said.

The Pharmacist when contacted denied the allegations that he used unparliamentary language against any junior medico and said that the scuffle arose due to some misunderstanding.

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