As polling day approaches in Srinagar parliamentary constituency, militants have stepped up their activities, carrying out a massive explosion in the heart of downtown area in which two persons were killed and one was seriously wounded on Thursday morning.

Police said militants planted an improvised explosive device in a garbage dump and it exploded, resulting in injuries to three persons.

The injured were taken to SHMS Hospital, where two, one of them identified as Farooq Ahmad, died.

The third is said to be in critical condition.

No one has yet claimed responsibility for the blast.

It may be mentioned here that polling in the north Kashmir Baramulla parliamentary constituency was marred by violence, which resulted in the death of three persons and injuries to 15.

Srinagar goes to poll on coming Monday and authorities have beefed up security.