Ten suspects linked to a "localist" group were arrested on Monday after police seized some powerful explosives. These were intended to be detonated while the Legislative Council debates on the government's electoral reform package later this week. More arrests are expected as the investigation continues.

This highly unusual discovery should serve as a wake-up call to Hong Kong. Some radical groups who recklessly advocate "localism" have been quick to deny anything to do with the case. But explosives - known as TATP and used in attacks by terrorists in London and Israel - together with Wan Chai and Admiralty maps, political flyers and Vendetta masks were found at the scene. This strongly indicates that a tiny group of fanatics are willing to resort to violence if their political demands are not met.

This case came to light amid simmering tensions and pessimism in the run-up to the decisive vote over the electoral reform package. As such, the authorities must exercise great caution. Extra security measures should be arranged before, during and in the immediate aftermath of the LegCo vote. This is to ensure the safety of lawmakers and the public. Those who commit and incite others to terrorist acts can expect to face the full legal consequences.

Frustrated by a stalemate over electoral reform in the city, some radical activists have gradually developed a highly antagonistic attitude. They have now gone to extremes. In the pursuit of their political aims, these die-hards are trying to influence or affect the conduct of government by intimidation or coercion in order to resist social trends they oppose. This is truly a dangerous mentality. Those responsible have to stop this immediately, before it is too late.

As one of the world's greatest cities, Hong Kong's many successes have been built on its reputation for being safe, orderly and its citizens upholding the rule of law. Unfortunately, the city's hard-earned reputation has been severely damaged by political bickering over universal suffrage. Just a few years ago, few could have imagined that radicalism and "localism" could evolve into a breeding ground for terrorism.

Though politics is sometimes a rough and tumble business, it is definitely not war; but terrorism is. The case revealed on Monday - although it has caused no harm yet - still equates with an act of terror. Every clear-minded citizen in Hong Kong should adopt a zero-tolerance attitude to the use of terror.

We have now come to a critical point in Hong Kong and no one is able to predict whether the city is heading toward a greater catastrophe. But one thing is certain - the central and SAR governments will never give in to political extortion of any kind. Any extreme or terrorist acts must be nipped in the bud.

(HK Edition 06/16/2015 page11)