'Indian community is big in Kenya'

"It is absolutely distressing," said an Indian-origin business woman whose office is located close to the Nairobi mall that is under terror siege.

"The Indian community is fairly big...it is a strong community," said Monika Datta Lalji who spoke to IANS from Nairobi about the terror attack that has left over 60 people dead.

Lalji, who is staying in Nairobi for the past 18 years, recalled hearing explosions Saturday afternoon.

"We could hear the explosions," Lalji said and added: "We could also hear helicopters buzzing overhead."

The mall is located close to her office. She described the mall as "upmarket" which was frequented by expatriates and locals alike.

"There is a huge supermarket and specialty shops."

At least six Indians, including three from Gujarat, are among the dead.

There are over 75,000 people of Indian origin in Kenya. Indians handle between 30-35 percent of the total economy. Most Indians have settled around business cities like Nairobi, according to Indian government information.

(Rahul Dass can be contacted at rahul.d@ians.in)