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

During a recent session of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah voiced his doubts about External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar’s claim on bringing Pakistan-occupied Kashmir back under Indian control. He asked pointedly whether the central government had ever truly taken steps to reclaim the territory, calling into question the bold assertions made.