BANGALORE, June 14: India’s defence minister warned on Saturday that attacks by militants in disputed Kashmir could increase as local elections drew near.

The comments by A.K. Antony came a day after suspected militants killed five people, including four Indian soldiers, and injured 12 civilians in two attacks in the region.

“In the coming months there could be more attempts at infiltration and violence,” he told reporters while visiting the southern city of Bangalore.

Earlier on Saturday, three people were injured in a grenade attack at a police post outside the chief minister’s office in Srinagar.

“There are forces within and outside the country who do not want free and fair elections,” Antony said. “From our side, we will provide logistic support for free and peaceful elections. If we do that it will boost confidence of people both in India and outside.”—Reuters