Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq have reiterated their call for dialogue between India and Pakistan stating that such initiatives pave way for the resolution of the issues.Mufti said that she has also written to the Prime Ministers of both India and Pakistan stressing on the need of dialogue between the two countries."There are rumors about 'Track II' diplomacy talks taking place in Sri Lanka and Thailand, which is a positive development. This 'Track II' diplomacy involves retired diplomats and army personnel from both India and Pakistan meeting and holding discussions," said Mufti adding, "Even the senior leadership of the RSS has endorsed the stance that dialogue should take place. I feel there is a glimmer of hope that something might happen; the situation in Jammu and Kashmir currently mired in trouble and suffering, and serving as a battleground for the two nations could transform into a bridge for peace."The People's Democratic Party chief said she was that senior RSS leadership including figures like Dattatreya Hosabale and Mohan Bhagwat along with several other leaders, have stated that there should be talks with Pakistan."There should be the movement of people, mutual interaction, and an exchange of ideas. It echoes exactly what Vajpayee ji said, 'You can change your friends, but not your neighbours.' I feel this sentiment is gaining endorsement. We have written letters to the Prime Ministers of both India and Pakistan today," said Mufti.She said that no matter how powerful a Prime Minister may be, their legacy is not defined by their power or the duration of their tenure; rather, it is measured by the number of conflicts they resolved during their time in office."PM Modi currently has a golden opportunity regarding the J&K conflict, an issue that has stalled South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). SAARC, an organisation our country, India, could have led has effectively become defunct due to the Kashmir issue and the tensions with Pakistan," said Mufti. She stressed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif currently have an opportunity to improve bilateral relations and revive regional cooperation.The PDP chief also referred to the recent US and Israel agression on Iran stating that Iran leveraged the Strait of Hormuz to command global attention. "Similarly, J&K can serve as a gateway connecting South Asia and Central Asia... Observe how Pakistan is leveraging its strategic location; our J&K, too, possesses a unique strategic position and geography," said Mufti adding, "If we transform J&K into a gateway between central and south Asia, it would not only alter the region's landscape but also bring significant ease and benefits to our country," said Mufti. She says that her party believes that the countries should engage in negotiations and reconciliation along the LoC with Pakistan and LAC with China, open the borders, and turn J&K into a hub for economic activity. Mufti asked why routes linking Ladakh with historic trade centres such as Khotan, Yarkand and Kashgar remained closed when the Lipulekh route in Uttarakhand had recently been opened."This is only possible through mutual dialogue. If both Prime Ministers wish to leave behind a positive legacy, especially given that Pakistan currently has a government where the army and the civilian administration are aligned, and we have a very powerful Prime Minister—they could achieve this. By resolving their differences and improving relations, they could transform Jammu and Kashmir into a bridge of peace between the two nations," said Mufti. The PDP chief also claimed that BJP government's August 2019 decisions of abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A had failed to resolve political discontent in the region. "In 2019, the BJP used what I consider its strongest weapon against J&K by abrogating Articles 370 and 35 (A). Yet nothing substantial has been achieved. Even today, people in J&K continue to feel alienated," she said adding, "the region has been turned into an open-air prison where people lacked the freedom to speak or hold peaceful protests."Meanwhile Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said that if Iran and the United States can come to the negotiating table, after escalation then India and Pakistan can also sit together and talk to resolve issues."I appeal to the leadership of India to embrace the path of dialogue, because wars do not resolve disputes. It is through dialogue that issues are addressed and resolved. The Indian subcontinent possesses tremendous economic opportunities and abundant human resources. The entire region can move forward and prosper if only the leadership of the subcontinent demonstrates political vision and works towards improving mutual relations" said Mirwaiz. He said that friendship between India and Pakistan offers the best path toward resolving longstanding issues, including the Kashmir conflict. "We hope that the leadership of India, Pakistan, and Kashmir will support such efforts so that peace is strengthened and issues resolved through peaceful means," said Mirwaiz.He has also signed the appeal for India–Pakistan dialogue and lasting peace as he appreciated the initiative taken by Mr. O. P. Shah, chairman of the Centre for Peace and Progress, in bringing together concerned citizens from India, Pakistan and J&K in support of dialogue, reconciliation and people-to-people contact."At a time when official engagement remains limited, such civil-society initiatives are important because they keep alive the hope for peace, dignity, connectivity and a future free from hostility," said Mirwaiz. He reiterated his appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to resume meaningful engagement, restore diplomatic and people-to-people ties, and "address all outstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir, through dialogue, wisdom and statesmanship.""This appeal is not about taking sides. It is about placing the welfare and future of nearly two billion people above conflict and confrontation. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have suffered enough and deserve peace, closure, justice and a dignified resolution," said Mirwaiz.