Terror strikes hit life in fast-paced Mumbai

MUMBAI: Terror-hit Mumbai came to a virtual standstill today with trains running almost empty and streets wearing a deserted look as government asked residents not to panic in the face of the most audacious militant attack on the metropolis.

A curfew-like situation prevailed in south Mumbai, the metropolis' business district which is the centre of terror attacks since last night.

The otherwise overcrowded suburban trains, the lifeline of Mumbai, were running on schedule but with only a few office-goers as passengers this morning.

Schools and colleges were shut down by authorities and trading at Bombay Stock Exchange and commodity markets stalled in view of the grim situation.

A newspaper vendor at Fort area near CST station where a large number of offices are located said he was not able to sell newspapers as not many people have turned up for work.

"Generally, at this time the area is full of people and traffic jams are common. But this morning, it is very calm. It does not look like Mumbai," he said.

A board put up at the station by the railway staff said they were mourning the death of one of its employees - S K Sharma - in the attack along with few other passengers.

"We are glued to the television. But there seems to be so much confusion on what has been happening. No clear picture is emerging. The attacks have hit the Mumbaikars hard," 23-year-old Ramiya said as she set out for work.

At least 100 people have been killed and nearly 300 injured so far in the multiple attacks. Two five star hotels, hospitals and Mumbai CST station were among the key targets.