Imphal, March 11 (IANS): Three people were killed and 21 others injured in a powerful blast at a market here in the Manipur capital on Wednesday, police said.

"An IED (improvised explosive device) that was planted near a chicken shop at Khwairamband Keithel exploded killing three people and wounding 21 others, including women," Inspector General of Police Clay Khongsai told IANS.

He said the injured were rushed to the Regional Institute of Medical Science and Hospital. The condition of some of the wounded was critical.

Among those killed, two were non-locals. One was identified as Mithu Yadav, a resident of Bihar, while the identity of the other person was yet to be ascertained.

The third person killed in the blast was identified as Md. Suman Khan, a resident of Kshetri Awang Leikai of Imphal East district.

Police officials along with additional security forces have rushed to the spot and launched a combing operation to nab those responsible for the blast.

No militant group has so far claimed responsibility for the blast.

Manipur Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh condemned the blast.