5 Indians confirmed dead in New Zealand terror attack


Team Udayavani, Mar 17, 2019, 2:17 AM IST

Christchurch: Five Indians were among the 50 people killed by a white supremacist, who opened fire on worshippers at two mosques in Christchurch, in the worst attack on Muslims in New Zealand, the Indian High Commission said Sunday.

The attacker, identified by authorities as Australia-born Brenton Tarrant, 28, reportedly targeted immigrants during Friday prayers. Witnesses said victims were shot at close range.

The high commission confirmed on Sunday that five Indians were killed in the attack.

“With a very heavy heart we share the news of loss of precious lives of our 5 nationals in ghastly terror attack in #Christchurch,” it tweeted.

It identified them as: Maheboob Khokhar; Ramiz Vora; Asif Vora; Ansi Alibava; and Ozair Kadir.

In another tweet later, the high commission informed that Immigration NZ has set up a dedicated webpage to expedite visa for family members of Christchurch victims.

(https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/media-centre/news-notifications/family-members-of-mosque-incident) 

On Friday, shortly after the attack, India’s High Commissioner in New Zealand Sanjiv Kohli had tweeted that “there are 9 missing persons of Indian nationality/origin”. But, he had added, official confirmation was awaited.

The high commission said its helpline numbers 021803899 & 021850033 will remain available round the clock to assist families of the those affected by the attack.

“We deeply mourn loss of all other innocent lives including people of Indian origin.” 

It also said a group of Community leaders is being constituted in Christchurch and their names and numbers will be circulated shortly.
Meanwhile, it added, those who need assistance while transiting through Auckland may contact 021531212.

In a 74-page manifesto the attacker posted online, he described himself as a white supremacist who was out to avenge attacks in Europe perpetrated by Muslims.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has called the attack terrorism.

Expressing India’s solidarity with the people of New Zealand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said hatred and violence have no place in diverse and democratic societies.

About 200,000 Indian and Indian-origin people live in New Zealand. Over 30,000 of them are students, according to the Indian High Commission’s data available on its website.

Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.

Top News

Burglars decamp with cash Rs 1 crore, 300 gold sovereigns from house in Kerala

Raut demands re-election, alleges irregularities in EVMs during Maharashtra polls

Perth Test: Bumrah leads India to its biggest Test win on Australian soil

Sambhal violence: FIR against SP MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq, SP MLA’s son

Six junior artists of Kannada film ‘Kantara’ injured in accident in Karnataka

MNS at risk of losing recognition, symbol after drawing blank in Maharashtra polls

‘Wicked’ and ‘Gladiator’ make gravity-defying theatre debuts

Related Articles More

RG Kar protests: SC orders SIT probe into custodial torture case, weekly reports before HC

Burglars decamp with cash Rs 1 crore, 300 gold sovereigns from house in Kerala

No ‘formula’ under discussion for CM’s post: Ajit Pawar

Raut demands re-election, alleges irregularities in EVMs during Maharashtra polls

Raut demands re-election, alleges irregularities in EVMs during Maharashtra polls

MUST WATCH

Coconut Flower

Prakash Belawadi

Naxal Leader Vikram Gowda

Christmas Cake Fruit Mixing

DK Shivakumar


Latest Additions

RG Kar protests: SC orders SIT probe into custodial torture case, weekly reports before HC

Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade sets record for ‘Largest Single-Man Collection of Antiques’

Rapid digital expansion to create over 1 lakh new jobs in fiber tech in India in next 5 years

Burglars decamp with cash Rs 1 crore, 300 gold sovereigns from house in Kerala

No ‘formula’ under discussion for CM’s post: Ajit Pawar

Thanks for visiting Udayavani

You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.