Bangalore (PTI): India on Saturday alleged that certain forces within and outside the country were out to create trouble in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of assembly elections to be held shortly in that state and said that all precautionary measures will be taken to face the challenge.

"One thing is clear. Forces inside and outside India don't want free, fair and peaceful elections in Kashmir. In the coming months we will see more insurgency and violence," Defence Minister A K Antony told reporters here but refrained from naming anyone.

The government is taking steps to face the situation, Antony said while responding to a query on the militants' attack on Border Road Organisation (BRO) men at Kupwara two days ago in which five BRO personnel were killed.

It was for the Election Commission to decide when to hold the election, he said.

"We will give logistic support to the Election Commission for the conduct of free, fair and peaceful elections, because free and fair polls will increase the confidence of people in India and outside and help the process of normalisation in Kashmir.

"We are taking all precautionary steps. But in the coming months forces are bent upon creating trouble," he said.

Expressing shock over the attack on BRO contingent, Antony said: "five precious lives were lost. They were only building bridges and roads to help Kashmir people and not any other activity".

The government will extend all help to the victims' families, he said.