9 Indians Missing In NZ After Mosque Attack

At least nine Indian nationals are feared missing in New Zealand following the deadly terror attacks at two mosques in Christchurch which killed 49 people, unofficial sources said.

Forty-nine people have been reported killed so far and at least 48 others have been wounded in the twin shootings according to  New Zealand police, which said it has taken four persons into custody – three men and one woman.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the terrorist attack stating that hatred and violence have no place in diverse and democratic socieites. In a letter to New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda  Ardern, Modi expressed India’s solidarity with the people of New Zealand at this difficult time.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj condemed  the dastardly terror attack and put out the helpline numbers of the Indian High Commission in New Zealand tagging High Commissioner Sanjiv Kohli for Indians requiring assistance. “Any Indian requiring assistance should contact Indian High Commission in New Zealand on 021803899 or 021850033” Swaraj said.

In his Twitter account (unverified) Kohli said, “As per updates received from multiple sources there are 9 missing persons of Indian nationality/ origin. Official confirmation still awaited. Huge crime against humanity. Our prayers with their families.”

Official confirmation about Indian casualties may take a while to come in.

MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, “Our Mission is in touch with local authorities to ascertain more details. It is a sensitive matter and therefore we can’t give confirmed numbers/names till we are absolutely certain.”

“Assistance is being provided to the next of kin of those affected in getting appropriate visa to New Zealand. We will keep you updated as and when we have additional information,” diplomatic sources said.

Meanwhile, one person in Hyderabad Khurshid Jahangir told ANI that his Ahmed Jahangir was injured in the shooting.”My brother was injured and is now recovering in a hospital. He is currently undergoing surgery. We have seen in the video he has been shot in the chest. We’re trying to reach the Embassy,” Khurshid Jahangir told ANI.