Terror strikes in Kashmir attack on democracy: Modi in Jharkhand

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday described the terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir as a "shameful act on the democratic process" in the state, which is witnessing a healthy turnout in assembly polls.

Addressing a poll rally in Hazaribagh district, Modi also asked the Jharkhand electorate to vote for development in the state.

"The terrorists did a shameful act by attacking the democratic process in Kashmir. Our brave security personnel gave a befitting reply to them," Modi said.

Twenty-one people, including eight soldiers, were killed in a string of attacks across Kashmir Friday.

The attacks came in the midst of assembly polls in the state. The third phase will take place Dec 9. The first two phases saw a turnout of around 70 percent.

"An army officer from Jharkhand was also killed. I pay my tributes to the security personnel killed in terrorist attack," said Modi.

Lt. Col. Sanklap Shukla, a resident of Ranchi, was killed in the attack. He is survived by an eight-year-old daughter and a four-year-old son.

Modi also appealed to the people of Jharkhand to vote for development. The state too is in the midst of five-phase polls, the third phase of which will be held Dec 9.

"Enough politics has been done in the name of caste and creed. The time has come to vote for development," Modi said.

"Only development will take the state forward...," he said.

"Jharkhand is living under darkness despite the fact that state produces coal. God graced the state with forest and mines... and it has the potential to emerge as an economic power," Modi said.

He said the state will be able to generate Rs.20 lakh crore from coal in coming years under a new coal policy.

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Yashwant Sinha was also present in the rally. He shared the dais with his son Jayant Sinha who is Hazaribagh MP and a minister in Modi cabinet.

Votes count will take place in both Jammu and Kashmir and Jharkhand Dec 23.