For some of the victims' families, who have waited 20 years for this day, it is a small victory that will assuage some of their grief of having lost loved ones.

For others, it will be the opening of old wounds, coming as the verdict does, 20 years after the incident.

Many in the Indo-Canadian community had almost lost hope of seeing the suspects facing trial.

The Canadian authorities were accused of being biased. Over the years, the wounds started healing. A major salve was the laying of charges against the accused in October 2000, 15 years after the incident.

Wednesday's verdict may not be the end of the long drawn legal process.

Bagri and Malik may appeal.

Memorial services for Flight 182 victims in Canada.

Archive photographs: Kirthie Abeyesekera