A powerful explosion rocked Thangal Bazar in Imphal city around 9.30am on Tuesday, leaving five policemen and one civilian injured.

The injured are additional superintendent of police (Operations) L. Amarjit Singh, assistant sub-inspectors N. Ibotomba Singh and Kh. Bony Singh, sub-inspector Th. Devan Singh and rifleman H. Boby Singh.

K. Gurung, a resident of Pangei, also sustained injuries.

The injured were rushed to a private hospital. Their condition is stated to be stable.

Several two-wheelers were destroyed in the impact of the explosion. Police suspect it was an IED blast.

Chief minister N. Biren Singh along with top police officers rushed to the site and inspected the damages. The blast took place near a temple.

Biren Singh said: “Being a marketplace, the casualty could have been higher. The perpetrator does not have any regard for public safety.”

He appealed to the people to cooperate with the police to avert any danger that may cost human lives. Later, he visited the injured at the hospital and wished them a speedy recovery.

The state government has announced a cash award of Rs 1 lakh for any information which can lead to identification and arrest of the culprits.

The blast on Tuesday is the second in four days in Imphal. On Saturday, a blast took place at the Telepati area of Imphal East district in which three BSF jawans were injured.