Two Indians have been killed and nine have gone missing after Friday's twin shootings at two mosques in Christchurch in which 49 people have died.
Christchurch: At least two people of Indian origin died after the terror attack at two Christchurch mosques, Asaduddin Owaisi, the leader of AIMIM (All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen Party) has confirmed.
Nine person of Indian nationality have also gone missing, the Indian envoy in New Zealand Sanjiv Kohli has tweeted, citing updates received from multiple sources.
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
— sanjiv kohli (@kohli_sanjiv)
Owaisi has also confirmed that the MEA has been assisting the families of the deceased to reach New Zealand in time.
UPDATE: I’d like to thank for personally updating me about MEA’s efforts in assisting Ahmed’s & Ahsan’s families reach NZ in time
We are in touch with @MEAIndiaMEA & they have assured us that they’re making all efforts to get the visa process expedited https://t.co/pJ2O8a4BgL
The High Commissioner said official confirmation of the number of Indian missing is still awaited and called the mass shooting a huge crime against humanity.
The Minister of External Affairs, Sushma Swaraj has also shared helpline numbers of Indian High Commission in New Zealand for Indians requiring assistance.
Indians requiring assistance should contact Indian High Commission in New Zealand on 021803899 or 021850033.
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj)
The Red Cross has shared the names of missing Indians from the Christchurch attack:
1. Arif Vora
2. Ansi Karippakulam Alibava
3. Faraj Ahsan
4. Hafiz Musa Vali Suleman
5. Maheboob Khokhar
6. Mohammad Imran Khan
7. Musa Patel
8. Ramiz
In a letter to the New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has "strongly condemned the attacks", the foreign ministry said.
The gunman at one mosque was an Australian-born citizen, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said in Sydney, describing him as "an extremist, right-wing, violent terrorist".
Approximately 200,000 Indian and Indian-origin people live in New Zealand. There are over 30,000 Indian students in the country, according to the Indian High Commission's data on its website.
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