Usually India is quick in pointing its finger to ISI, the Pakistan intelligence agency, for such a dastardly act on Indian soil. Pakistan has been equally prompt in dismissing such an accusation. But this time around, there has been something of a departure. Indian Deputy PM Advani's comments after the blasts and the quick condemnation from the Pakistani government of the incident can be described as carefully calibrated reactions. Without any doubt, the cautious diplomatic tone in the voices of both the governments indicates that neither side is prepared, in any manner, to be blamed for any probable debacle that might occur in the normalisation process that got underway sometime back and is going full steam ahead. We take heart in the fact that both seem to be trying hard not to negate the positive signs that have emerged recently. Let us hope the efforts to build trust would continue and that Indian PM Vajpayee's forthcoming visit to Pakistan would help further strengthen the process.

What we are gravely concerned about is the sheer scale of destruction wrought by terrorist attacks nearer home. In Mumbai, there have been five blasts in the last eight months and there is a pattern to these: bombs exploding in buses, trains, fast food restaurants and shopping malls.

Let the investigations prove conclusive so that the culprits are speedily brought to justice.

We express our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the victims and sympathise with those injured.