At least 18 people were killed and 27 seriously injured in a powerful bomb blast in Imphal, the capital of North-eastern state Manipur. The blast occurred near the Police Commandos' Complex late on Tuesday.

The death toll may rise further, according to police, as the conditions of the hospitalized persons are very serious. Body parts of the victims were found scattered out side the police barrack.

Imphal Superintendent of Police Radheshyam Singh told that eleven people died on the spot, while seven of the injured succumbed to their injuries in different hospital. The bomb was planted on a scooter he added.

Injured persons were shifted to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, the Jawarharlal Nehru Hospital, and the near by hospitals of the city. The blast occurred around 7.45 pm in the evening near the entrance gate where many people were assembled ahead of the Diwali festival.

Police is still clueless about the attackers. 'We are verifying everything. Let's wait for some more hours' said a police officer. None of the militant groups operating in the state have claimed responsibility for the attack.  As many as 19 rebel groups are operating in the hilly state.

Before two days official residence of CM Ibobi Singh was targeted by militants. A bomb was exploded near the heavily guarded residence. Cobra Task Force of the banned militant outfit, the People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) had claimed responsibility for that attack.

Huge infiltration from the neighboring Bangladesh is creating violence between ethnic tribal groups and Muslim settlers.