New Delhi, Jan 15 (IANS): The Indian Army was "well prepared" to tackle any situation, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said Thursday, in the wake of reports that militants may try to sneak into India and attack schools in Jammu and Kashmir on the eve of US President Barack Obama's visit.

"We are well prepared," Parrikar said in response to questions by reporters during the Army Day function here.

He said militants would try to create news by attacking schools in Kashmir.

Lt. Gen. K.H. Singh, commander of the army's 16 Corps, told the media in Jammu: "Around 200 militants are waiting in 36 launch pads across the Pir Panjal mountain range to infiltrate into the Indian side."

He said militants may try to attack soft targets, including schools and civilian areas, ahead of Obama's visit for the Republic Day parade.

Asked about the army killing five militants in Shopian in Jammu and Kashmir Thursday, Parrikar said the army operation was "based on the right kind of intelligence".