The streets looked deserted as Mumbai came to a near standstill on Saturday with the US President Barack Obama’s much talked-about visit. With extremely tight security arrangements, the President’s arrival was more of a worry, than something to rejoice for the local Mumbaikar. From road diversions to cancellation of bus services, the city had to bear the brunt of the security arrangements.
Police personnel had been deployed since the early hours of the morning and were seen checking identity proofs at every entry point near the airport. The President was slated to arrive a little before 1 pm. CM Ashok Chavan was among the first to reach the airport, followed shortly by the minister of corporate affairs Salman Khurshid. The hour before Mr Obama’s arrival was extremely harrowing for Mumbaikars, as most of the road transport services near the airport almost came to a grinding halt.
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Slums try to catch a glimpse
Age Correspondent
Mumbai
Nov. 6: The one place that was upbeat about US President Barack Obama’s visit on Saturday was the Jari Mari slums at Tanaji Nagar in Kurla.
The residents of Jari Mari slums were hoping to get a glimpse of Mr Obama from their homes that are spread over a huge expanse around the Chhatrapati Shivaji International airport.
However, the tight security arrangements dampened their spirits.
Groups of police personnel, who were stationed at every entry point, refused the locals to come anywhere near the boundary wall that separates their slum from the airport.