Jammu, Mar 29: In a major push to promote awareness and conservation of medicinal plants, the National Medicinal Plants Board under the Union Ministry of Ayush has approved a Rs 53 lakh project to establish 100 School Herbal Gardens across Jammu, an official spokesperson said on Sunday.

The initiative envisages the development of herbal gardens in selected schools, with 10 schools to be covered in each district of the division, the spokesperson said.

He said the project has been approved after recommendations from the Directorate of Ayush, J&K (J&K Medicinal Plants Board), with the objective of integrating the rich heritage of medicinal plants into the school education system in a meaningful and practical manner.

The herbal gardens will serve as vibrant learning spaces where the students will gain first-hand knowledge about the identification, cultivation and uses of important medicinal plants, while also developing a deeper appreciation for nature and traditional systems of healthcare, the spokesperson said.

He said 100 schools have been identified by the Directorate of School Education, Jammu.

Director Ayush, J&K and CEO, J&K Medicinal Plants Board, Ajay Kumar Tikoo, termed the approval as a significant milestone and expressed confidence that these herbal gardens will evolve into centres of experiential learning and inspire students to actively engage with nature and wellness practices.

Kathua, Mar 29: PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday said she is praying to Allah for Iran to emerge victorious in the West Asia conflict, and for the war to come to an immediate end, calling it essential to restore stability and curb the “escalating” inflation.

She also accused the National Conference government in Jammu and Kashmir and the BJP-led Centre of “completely failing” to resolve people’s problems.

“Iran has had very deep relations with India. It was unfortunate that the prime minister (Narendra Modi) visited Israel just before the war began, which did not send a good message,” Mufti told reporters on the sidelines of a PDP rally at Hiranagar in Kathua district.

“Jammu and Kashmir used to be called ‘Iran-e-Sagheer’ (Little Iran), which shows how close our ties have been. Islam came to us through Iran, and we share many similarities.

“The way the people of J-K have come out on the streets for Iran – collecting money, offering help, donating gold jewellery and household items – shows a great spirit,” she said.

The former J-K chief minister said they are praying to Allah for Iran to emerge victorious, and for the war to come to an end.

“The war is having a very negative impact on India as well. The whole world is affected, and things are becoming more expensive,” Mufti said.

Stating that a large number of people from India, including Jammu and Kashmir, work in the Gulf countries, the PDP chief said, “They will naturally return if conditions worsen, and unemployment will increase. Therefore, the war should stop as soon as possible, so that peace can be restored and inflation can also be brought under control.”

The war in West Asia, which began after the US-Israel combine attacked Iran on February 28, prompting retaliatory strikes by Tehran across the Gulf region, has now stretched into its fifth week, with no immediate end in sight.

It has impacted the global economy, including oil and gas prices, which have had repercussions on the lives of citizens across the region.

The PDP organised the rally to welcome former Congress district general secretary, Kavel Jarotia, into the party along with his supporters.

Mufti also said that after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, the people of J-K have faced significant disempowerment.

“That is why they have advocated the passage of a Private Member’s Bill moved by the PDP seeking a statutory framework for reorganisation of administrative divisions, districts, sub-divisions and tehsils in the Union territory,” she said.

“People feel they have no authority left in their hands. The far-flung areas, be it the Chenab Valley, Pir Panjal or the Bani-Basohli region, are very remote and require proper administration.

“That is why new districts should be created, and new divisions should be formed to give relief to people. We have introduced a Bill. Let’s see what the government does now,” Mufti said.

On the performance of the National Conference government, she said people had a lot of expectations from it.

“The National Conference got 50 seats, and people felt that their problems would be resolved. People had similar expectations from the BJP, thinking that since it is in power in Delhi, it would help address the issues here. But it seems both parties have completely failed to resolve people’s issues,” Mufti said.

Jammu, Mar 29: Jammu Police on Sunday said that an accused namely Parveen Kumar, S/o Shugan Chand, R/o Panipath Haryana who was arrested in case FIR No. 67/2026 US 318(4), 127(3)/308(2)BNS of Police Station Gandhi Nagar Jammu, currently on police remand today complained of severe stomach pain and was immediately rushed to hospital for treatment, where doctors later declared him dead.

According to officials, the said accused along with 04 others were arrested from Kolkota in the aforementioned case and police after conducting proper medical examination &  transit remand shifted the said persons to Police Station Gandhinagar on 25.03.2026 and all were on Police Remand upto 30.03.2026.

They said that regular medical examinations of the accused were conducted and all precautions were taken in the police custody.

Accordingly today i.e on 29.03. 2026 medical examination of the accused was again conducted from Police Hospital Jammu. However, later on the subject complained of severe stomach pain and was immediately rushed to Government Hospital Gandhi Nagar for treatment, where doctors later declared him dead.

Post mortem is being conducted by the board of doctors at GMC Jammu and family of the deceased has been informed and the post-mort will be conducted in presence of family members and the Executive Magistrate. All the CCTV footages and other evidences are being preserved, officials held.

Meanwhile, police has initiated inquest proceedings and District Magistrate Jammu has been requested to initiate magisterial inquiry into the matter.

Jammu, Mar 29: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said that the Jammu Marathon symbolises the profound transformation Jammu Kashmir has embraced since 2019.

“Peace, prosperity and enabling conditions have made the UT a destination for world-class events. Its dream realised at last, as after seven decades, J&K claims its rightful place on the global stage,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor was speaking at the felicitation ceremony of Jammu Marathon at MA Stadium, Jammu.

The first-ever International Half Marathon in Jammu, organized by J&K Tourism department, featuring 21 km, 10 km and 5 km race categories, witnessed the participation of more than 3000 runners from across the country and abroad.

Terming the Jammu Marathon as a historic milestone, the Lieutenant Governor said that the Jammu has firmly established itself on the global running map. He said the success of the mega event promises a surge in tourism to the enchanting city of Jammu, benefiting Trade and Businesses and heralding an era of comprehensive development.

“I see the marathon as the one event where runners don’t worry about trophies, rankings, or medals. They just think about the next step. And that’s the biggest lesson from a marathon.

Jammu Kashmir itself embodies this principle. Since 2019, we have advanced one step at a time, crafting a new identity for this Union Territory. We have transformed it into a hub of peace and prosperity, now capable of hosting international marathons, cricket tournaments, and even international events,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor said when Government of India first conceived the Kashmir Marathon in December 2023 meeting, the goal wasn’t just to organize a race but it envisioned a new Jammu Kashmir announcing its arrival on the global sporting stage.

“Under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, Jammu Kashmir is now showcasing its boundless tourism potential on the world map,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor said that long-awaited dreams and aspirations are becoming a reality.

“Through Jammu Marathon, the participants have not only discovered new experiences within themselves but also witnessed the profound changes sweeping Jammu Kashmir,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor observed that fueled by the citizens’ unyielding resolve, Jammu Kashmir Union Territory is setting new benchmarks in development.

“The renewed resolve taking root in our sporting arena. I am especially delighted that, in pursuit of Fit India, we are also igniting a new sporting revolution in Jammu Kashmir,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

Satish Sharma, Minister for Youth Services & Sports; Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Dr. Ashish Chandra Verma, Additional Chief Secretary Tourism Department; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu and senior officials of civil and police administration were present.

Film actors Milind Soman and Gul Panag; prominent citizens, sportspersons and youth in large number also attended the felicitation ceremony.