(Image source from: The Hans India)
The deadly terrorist attack in Christchurch, New Zealand, on March 15, claimed lives of dozens of people, including at least five Indian nationals, according to a confirmed report.
The death count has risen to 50 and the primary suspect, identified as Australia-born Brenton Tarrant was targeting immigrant’s during Friday prayers as he live-streamed the massacre.
India’s diplomatic mission in New Zealand confirmed that five nationals killed in the attack were Maheboob Khokhar, Ramiz Vora, Asif Vora, Ansi Alibava, and Ozair Kadir.
With a very heavy heart we share the news of loss of precious lives of our 5 nationals in ghastly terror attack in #Christchurch
— India in New Zealand (@IndiainNZ) March 16, 2019
Mr. Maheboob Khokhar
Mr. Ramiz Vora
Mr. Asif Vora
Ms Ansi Alibava
Mr. Ozair Kadir@kohli_sanjiv @MEAIndia @SushmaSwaraj 1/3
The 'India in New Zealand' Twitter account also shared round-the-clock helpline numbers for assistance in the time of grief.
Our helpline numbers (021803899 & 021850033) will remain available round the clock to assist families as we together cope with our shared grief.
— India in New Zealand (@IndiainNZ) March 16, 2019
We deeply mourn loss of all other innocent lives including people of Indian origin. 2/3
At least 149 persons were in the mosques at the time of the attack, and 50 of them died and dozens of others were injured. The bulk of the people at the Friday prayer were from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
The Indian High Commission had on Saturday tweeted that it has been pursuing with local authorities the whereabouts of 9 Indians, including 2 persons of Indian origin (PIO) and that they are in regular touch with their families.
The death of 25-year-old woman Ancy Ali, hailing from Kerala, was confirmed by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan hours later the attack.
"Deeply shocked to learn that a Keralite is among the victims of Christchurch (New Zealand) terror attack. We are following up with the embassy through Norka Roots. Our thoughts are with the affected family," Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said.
Shortly after the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had written to New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern expressing his solidarity and said, hatred and violence have no place in diverse and democratic societies.
The 28-year-old Brenton Harrison Tarrant, a suspected white supremacist, had written a "manifesto" before executing the attack, criticizing immigrants as "invaders". The manifesto talks about an invasion from India, along with Turkey and Turkey. Tarrant also describes these countries as "potential nation enemies in the East", according to a local media report.
Around 200,000 Indian origin and Indian people live in New Zealand. More than 30,000 of them are students, according to the Indian High Commission's data available on its website.
By Sowmya Sangam
