Militants may attack schools ahead of Obama visit: Army

Jammu, Jan 15: Militants will try to sneak into India and attack schools in Jammu and Kashmir on the eve of US President Barack Obama's visit to the country, a top army official said here Thursday.

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

"We have intelligence inputs that militants might try to attack soft targets, including schools and civilian areas, ahead of US President Barack Obama's visit," he said.

"There is every possibility that Pakistan will try to divert some of the fringe elements of the home grown terrorist outfits to the Indian side," Lt. Gen. Singh added.

Intelligence agencies warned last month that Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militants might plan an attack in India to coincide with the visit of the US president.

Obama is the chief guest on the country's Republic Day Jan 26 ceremonial parade and celebrations in New Delhi.

IANS