New Delhi - Thousands of people formed a human chain in Mumbai Friday to protest against the November 26 terrorist attacks in India's financial capital that claimed at least 173 lives.

Shortly after midday, scores of schoolchildren, senior citizens, office workers and housewives formed what organisers dubbed a "solidarity chain" that passed through sites that were targeted by the terrorists.

The demonstrators shouted slogans calling for a surge in the fight against terrorism.

The chain encompassed the luxury Taj and Oberoi-Trident Hotels, the city's main railway station, the Leopold Café and the Jewish centre in Nariman House - which were all attacked by the gunmen.

The demonstration was organized by a non-government body, "Mumbai for Peace" and supported by about 100 other organizations.

Local media outlets said almost 60,000 people turned up to join the chain.

"We are here to tell our politicians not to forget 26 November as one of the many terrorist attacks in the country. They should take strong action and bring the culprits to book," Vasanta Jadhav, a private sector employee said.

"The focus is on peace and solidarity. We will not give in. They (terrorists) cannot break our spirit or divide us Hindus, Muslims, Christians or Sikhs," said Jadhav, who took a few hours off work to attend the rally.

An organizer, Jatin Desai, told reporters the rally drew a "tremendous, spontaneous response" from Mumbai residents who came from their offices, homes and schools to take part in the chain.

"It is a city united against terrorism," Desai said. "Many individuals carried banners and placards with slogans for peace on them. Many raised slogans against terrorism."

Prominent citizens such as Tushar Gandhi, great grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, Bollywood personalities including lyricist Javed Akhtar and actor Rahul Bose and many other celebrities joined the human chain.

"We demand and want to know (from the government) what the state of our security is," Akhtar said.

Mumbai for Peace said citizens joining the chain were demanding that the government take responsibility and come up with long term strategies to deal with terror attacks, the IANS news agency reported.

This should be followed by swift, transparent and credible trials and punishment for all those involved in terrorist activities, the organization said.

The group also called for better equipment and training for security personnel. (dpa)