At least sixpeople including five police commandos were injured after a powerful ImprovisedExplosive Device (IED) exploded at the heart of Imphal town on Tuesday morning.

Police said the blast which occurred around 9.30 am in Thangal Bazaar injured at least one Addl. SP (Ops) of Imphal West, one Sub-inspector, two Assistant Sub-inspectors, and a rifleman. One civilian was also injured and some vehicles were also damaged.

The injuredhave been rushed to a private hospital, police said adding the blast site hasbeen cordoned.

Today's blast is the second in just four days' time. On Nov 2 last, a similar IED was triggered by unknown persons at Telipati in Imphal East district where a religious ceremony was in progress, leading to the injury of three BSF Jawans.