Much of South Mumbai wore the look of a forced curfew as American president Barack Obama arrived in the city on Saturday afternoon. Parts of Colaba, where the Taj Mahal hotel – the venue of the 26/11 memorial function and the president’s night halt–is situated was virtually shut down.
The roads towards Taj were blocked and even pedestrians walking to Colaba market had to take a detour to reach their homes.
Several foreigners, who were visiting India, got disappointed as popular tourist spots like the Gateway of India was off limits. “I had planned my India visit much in advance and may not be able to wait for three more days to get a look at the Gateway. I think I am going to miss my Gateway visit,” Francis Turen, a German tourist said.
Thomas Tschurenthiller from Italy said: “We wanted to go to Elephanta Island but it is out of bounds as well. We wanted to go to the high court and university buildings. But while the court is on holiday, the university has been barred to visitors because Michelle Obama’s visiting there.”
Even Mumbai residents had a tough time. Residents of Gamdevi, where Mani Bhavan (the Gandhi memorial) is located, were not even allowed to step out of their buildings or stand on their balconies.
Municipal buses (BEST) were diverted arbitrarily and to pacify angry passengers, BEST staff allowed many of them to travel for free.
Nariman Point, the business district area of South Mumbai was deserted and offices were shut early. “My office normally shuts at 5.00 pm. Today, we were asked to leave early as Obama was visiting the Trident hotel,” Anil Yadav, who works at Mafatlal House near Trident, said.
One irritated man vented his anger on journalists who asked him for a reaction. “What do you want me to say? We waited for half-an-hour for a bus that never came. Taxis have been stopped from coming to this area. We had to get out of our offices from the rear door. Is this democracy?” he asked.
