SRINAGAR, April 9: Police in held Kashmir pledged on Friday to safeguard candidates and voters in upcoming national elections after freedom fighters attacked a political rally, killing 11 people and wounding over 70.

The grenade assault in Uri on Thursday near the ceasefire line was the first poll-related violence in the revolt-racked state before Indian elections beginning April 20.

"We will be providing more security cover to election rallies all over the Kashmir valley," a police spokesman told AFP. Militants have told Kashmiris to stay away from the elections, warning them of dire "consequences" if they take part.

Moderate separatists have also urged a boycott, saying the polls will not resolve Kashmir's future. PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, who was at the rally but escaped unhurt, said she would stage more election campaign rallies. -AFP