This brings to close a chapter of keenly awaited investigation and prosecution processes within a reasonable time-frame, an achievement in itself by past standards as most of the previous bombing cases are still hanging fire.

It goes down well that the accused were arrested and justice has been done in accordance with the law of the land. Terrorist bombing of the nature is different from other criminal acts committed by hardcore operatives. Unlike other criminal acts these perpetrators have the potential of threatening the very security and stability of the state, aside from earning bad name for the country. Hence it is only appropriate that extreme punishment be meted out to those found guilty of such a crime.

Those who had been taken into the dragnet are being punished. But what about the masterminds behind them who still remain at large? A question does figure in the public mind as to the final outcome of the on-going counter-offensive against the extremists. Energetic efforts must now be made to uproot the mentors of front elements. Any individual or organisation confirmed as 'potential' source or sources of such acts must be identified and brought speedily to justice. A process of continuous vigilance should also be in place to prevent any future recurrence of bombing incidents.

This matter of dealing with the perpetrators of bombings must be placed above all partisan political considerations. After all, country is above everything else.