South Mumbai wears deserted look,as Obama arrives

Shops were shut voluntarily by the owners and many people preferred remaining indoors,Seth said.

Over 5,000 security personnel,including US security men,Indian intelligence officials and elite commandos have been deployed in south Mumbai alone,as all venues on the itinerary of the POTUS fall in this region,police said.

As Obama and his wife Michelle visited Taj Mahal hotel,Mani Bhavan,Trident and Mumbai University,all the roads used for the high profile visit were closed for regular vehicular traffic till the time the entourage passed.

Eleven roads–Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Marg,Adam Street,Mahakavi Bhushan Marg,Ramchandani Marg,Bomanji Behram Marg,Henry Road,Steven Street,Battery Street,Navroji Fardunji Road,Mandlik Path and BEST Marg—remained closed and will be thrown open for public at 1600 hours the next day.

“The Gateway of India sea front was sanitised and all the services of the boats remained suspended and they were anchored nearby Bhaucha Dhakka,” police added.

Meher Sanjana (62),a resident in Prince Court,very close to Taj hotel,said,”The roads were empty and people remained indoors due to security reasons. Many transport vehicles were not coming to south Mumbai because they didn’t know exactly what kind of restrictions were imposed for traffic diversions and which roads would remain closed.”

Kiran Agarwal (56),president of Marine Drive residents association,said the immense security arrangements had forced people not to step out of their houses.

“We welcome Obama but his visit to India during Diwali festival could have been avoided by Delhi authorities. One could witness subdued festival,” he added.

Meanwhile,Indian Navy and Coast guard officials have stationed their ships off the shores of Mumbai to secure the coastline even as warships,including US Navy’s Peleliu,an amphibious assault ship,carrying choppers,are in Indian waters off the Mumbai harbour,police said.