New York's Little India' shocked by Mumbai terror strikes

New York, Nov.27 : Residents of New York's Little India have expressed horror at the ongoing carnage in Mumbai that has already claimed over 100 lives and left over 280 injured.

Dindipi Nath, 44, an employee of the electronics store Sam and Raj on 74th St. in Jackson Heights, Queens, was trying to reach his nephew, who lives near one of the hotels attacked by the terrorists.

"His cell phone is ringing and he's not picking up. It's now 4:30 a.m. there. I'm going to keep trying," the New York Daily News quoted Nath, as saying.

"People are coming back from work and picking up phone cards to call home," said Ram Khadka, a worker at a mobile phone store in the area.

At Kunal Jewelers, merchants gathered in a back room, staring at a TV screen that flickered with footage of Mumbai's Taj Hotel in flames.

"You feel really bad," said Subhash Kapadia, 65, who has family in Mumbai.

"I talked to my brother, he said he's horrified but okay," Kapadia was quoted, as saying.

Sunil Chug, 28, co-owner of Armaan's Bridal, said this morning he put on the television to see live shots of the unfolding story. Chug travels to Mumbai occasionally for business.

"I go there every other month for business, and now I will think twice before traveling," Chug said.

Across the bustling commercial district, people were exchanging news on the street and compulsively checking the Internet for updates.

Mayor Bloomberg plans to join members of the Indian community at Queens' Ganesha Temple for a prayer service Thursday.

ANI