City horrified by Mumbai attacks

Leicester's Indian community was shocked by the attacks

Leaders in Leicester's Indian community have spoken of their shock at the Mumbai (Bombay) terror attacks.

The East Midlands city has one of the UK's largest Indian communities and strong links with the country.

Manjula Sood, the first female Indian Lord Mayor in the UK, said: "They are horrific attacks."

One-minute's silence was being held at a city council meeting on Friday in tribute to those killed and a temple is holding a memorial service on Saturday.

Leicester businessman Jaffer Kapasi said several of his wife's relatives were killed in attacks across the Indian city.

Mr Kapasi, a Muslim who moved to Leicester from Uganda, said: "The terrorists confronted them and asked the son to stand on the side and then point blank shot them.

When I heard the news a shiver went down my spine Rashmikant Joshi

"It really hits you when your own family is affected. These terrorists have no mercy on anyone - whether they are a Muslim, Hindu, Sikh or Christian."

A stretch of road through the city - known as the Golden Mile - holds one of the biggest annual Diwali celebrations in Europe.

Mrs Sood said: "People are very shocked and saddened at this news.

"People here are ringing each other to find out what's happened. Many people have planned holidays to go to Mumbai, and then from Mumbai on to Gujarat or Goa."

Leicester city councillor Rashmikant Joshi, secretary of a local Hindu temple, said: "My first reaction when I heard yesterday was shock and horror that once again terrorism has been carried out in such a cowardly manner.

"I was supposed to be in Mumbai yesterday but my travel plans were changed. I would have landed in the early hours of yesterday morning. When I heard the news a shiver went down my spine."

Mr Joshi said a special memorial service would be held at the Shree Hindu Temple, in St Barnabas Road, Leicester, on Saturday.

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