"The bombing incidents in the last couple of weeks have caused a serious damage to the economy. Foreign investors who came here to explore investment opportunities got panicked and openly stated that they would like to wait for the time being and watch the situation," said the statement of the country's leading chamber body.

"Similarly many local investors have delayed their investment decisions having seen the nature of the bombing which have several new features," the statement added.

Terming the prevailing situation "alarming," MCCI President Kutubuddin Ahmed in the statement urged the government to take at least three measures in the shortest possible time.

These are picking up all suspects within record time and producing them in the courts, summary trials and enactment of necessary laws with provisions for exemplary punishment and evolving public opinion with the help of Imams and social leaders to de-motivate the militant elements.

For the medium term, the MCCI suggested a massive campaign involving religious leaders, social thinkers and the media to project the real teachings of Islam.

The leading chamber body also extended all-out co-operation to the government for tackling this national crisis. It also feels that there is no scope for petty partisan politics and that "it is time to take firm measures to combat the crisis".