Imphal:
A powerful bomb exploded a few minutes before the celebrations of Independence Day today in Manipur but no casualties were reported.
The bomb, planted by insurgents, went off at around 8.20 am at Moirangkhom petrol pump area, about 400 metres from the 1st Manipur rifles parade ground where the main function of the Independence Day celebrations would be held from 9 am with Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh as the chief guest.
Police said the bomb, planted on the road side seemed like the handiwork of insurgent outfits and was of low intensity but the sound of the explosion was heard from a distance.
Senior police officials who were present at the venue of the celebrations rushed to the spot and blocked all exit routes before checking passers-by at the nearby areas.
The site of today's explosion is about one km from the residence of Chief Minister and police headquarters.