One person was killed in a powerful militant improvised explosive device blast at Hawal, in downtown Srinagar [Images] Friday morning.

Police said a pre-planted IED near a paramilitary barricade went off on Friday morning, killing one junior engineer identified as Shabir Hussain Khan.

"Two persons who were injured in the explosion have been taken to hospital for treatment," said a police officer here.

The powerful blast shattered glass in the neighbourhood.

The blast came two days before the Holy Muslim festival of Eid. But the feverish Eid eve shopping has already started with locals thronging markets for sacrificial animals, essential commodities and garments.