Indian-American crowd gathers outside UN to 'welcome' Modi

United Nations, Sep 27: As Prime Minister

arrived for his first address to the General Assembly today, a large number of Indian-Americans gathered outside the UN headquarters to welcome him.

The crowd, comprising almost equal number of men and women, carried placards with messages like 'New York loves Modi', 'America loves Modi' and chanted 'Modi Modi' slogans.

People were seen wearing Modi t-shirts and masks, similar to the scenes that were there during Lok Sabha elections back home earlier this year. People, carrying flags of India and the US, were seen playing conch and drums among other instruments.

High security was in place and the supporters were standing in a special enclosure outside the UN headquarters. A 75-year old supporter Satish Malhotra said that he has been here for 40 years and had never seen such support and enthusiasm for any Indian leader. He said that the Indian community here fully supports Modi.

A similar scene was seen yesterday outside the hotel where Modi is staying, at the time of his arrival. The Prime Minister had come out of his car to greet the crowd yesterday. The organisers of today's 'Chalo UN rally" said that people were brought in buses from different locations for welcoming Modi at the UN and a similar event would be organised tomorrow in front of Madison Square Garden where he will address a large gathering.

Meanwhile, a group of demonstrators under the banner 'American Kashimiri Council' also gathered outside the UN headquarters and shouted slogans demanding implementation of the UN resolution on Kashmir issue.

PTI