Srinagar, Nov 19: National Conference President Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday said the party stands by its manifesto and the opposition’s job is to criticize to remain in limelight.

“If they (opposition) will not speak on issues how would they survive..?”, Farooq told media in Srinagar, when asked about the severe criticism the party is facing from opposition on account of passing of resolution over restoration of special status to J&K.

“What we had said in our manifesto is clear and we are following that and stand by it. If they (Opposition) don’t say anything, how will they survive?. We stand by our manifesto and not going here or there,” he said. .

On the statement of Kashmir’s chief cleric and Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq seeking dialogue on Kashmir issue, Farooq said “I am happy that he is free now and can speak freely.

I hope Mirwaiz will initiate efforts for the betterment of Jammu and Kashmir so that Peace, development will sustain besides the unemployment and poverty will end. The Chief Cleric has talked about sustained peace in Kashmir and I hope that together we will work to build a better future of this state.”

UNI