Ahead of the Republic Day, militants hurled a hand grenade near a security post in the heart of Srinagar [Images] at the busy Budshah Chowk, on Saturday afternoon, injuring seven persons, including three jawans and four civilians.

Official sources said the militants hurled the grenade towards the security forces around 1445 hours, but missed the intended target and it exploded on the roadside, resulting in the injuries of two Central Reserve Police Force jawans and a police constable besides four civilians.

The wounded were admitted to hospital. A few shots were heard in the area after the blast.

This was the second such attack in the city prior to the Republic Day celebrations. Two days ago, militants shot at and critically wounded two police personnel at Magarmal Bagh, 1 km away from the Bakshi stadium, the venue for the main function on January 26.

Security forces have been searching vehicles and frisking passengers entering the city from the outskirts.

Security forces arrested a militant along with a pistol, magazine, two rounds, five UBGL grenades and an Improvised Explosive Device at Chowgam Shopian in Pulwama district, a spokesman said.

Five militants surrendered along with a large quantity of arms and ammunition, including a pika gun, an AK rifle, five UBGL grenades, a rocket, a wireless set, hand grenade and a pistol at Thahtri in Doda district.