Imphal, Aug 15 (TIWN) A powerful bomb blast Thursday marred the Independence Day celebrations in northeastern state of Manipur, as Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh appealed for peace in the state.

 No one was hurt in the explosion.

Amid tight security, Ibobi Singh unfurled the national flag and took the salute at a march-past by paramilitary and police forces here.

Separatists triggered the blast at Moirangkhom petrol pump area near the 1st Manipur Rifles parade ground, Imphal district police chief Konsam Jayanta Singh told reporters.

The chief minister called for enduring peace in the state and appealed to rebel outfits to lay down arms and join the peace process.

A coordination committee of seven major militant outfits, fighting for an independent state for the majority Metei community in Manipur, had called for a boycott of Independence Day.