1.   The killings were seen as an attempt by Sikh extremists to disrupt the ongoing general election campaign.

2.   However, some reports speculated that Sikh extremists might have been involved in the murder.

3.   The province has suffered scores of ugly showdowns between Sikh extremists and moderates.

4.   At the time of the blast, Sikh extremists were suspected of responsibility.

5.   The bombing has been linked to the activities of Sikh extremists seeking an independent homeland within India but no one has been arrested.