A fresh cross-border peace initiative has brought together 117 prominent voices from India and Pakistan, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to resume dialogue and work towards restoring normal bilateral relations. The appeal, issued by the Centre for Peace and Progress, argues that sustained engagement remains the only viable path to addressing longstanding differences between the two neighbours. The signatories say continued dialogue is essential for regional stability, economic cooperation and securing a better future for younger generations on both sides of the border. The joint statement has been endorsed by several well-known political leaders, diplomats, academics and public figures from both countries. Among the Indian signatories are Farooq Abdullah, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Mehbooba Mufti, while former Pakistani Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri is among the prominent voices supporting the initiative. WATCH

India marks one year since the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, most of them tourists, in Jammu and Kashmir. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the victims and reiterated that India will never bow to terrorism. Security has been tightened across key locations in Kashmir, including tourist areas, with increased patrols and new verification systems introduced to enhance safety.