Christchurch terror attack: 7 Indians killed in New Zealand Mosque attacks, death toll rises to 50

Christchurch terror attack: Seven people including a woman were among the 50 people killed in the Christchurch terror attacks when a white supremacist opened fire at two mosques full of worshipers attending Friday prayers in New Zealand. The mass shooting took place in the Al Noor Mosque in central Christchurch and the Linwood Mosque in the city's outer suburb on Friday. 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. New Zealanders on Sunday flocked to memorial sites to lay flowers and mourn the victims of the twin mosque massacres, as testimony emerged of epic heroism and harrowing suffering in the gun attack that has claimed 50 lives. The Indian High Commission in New Zealand on its Twitter account confirmed the names of the five people among those who lost their lives in what appeared to be the worst attack on Muslims in a western country. The Twitter post stated, "With a very heavy heart we share the news of loss of precious lives of our 5 nationals in ghastly terror attack in #Christchurch Mr. Maheboob Khokhar Mr. Ramiz Vora Mr. Asif Vora Ms Ansi Alibava Mr. 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 Mr. Maheboob Khokhar Mr. Ramiz Vora Mr. Asif Vora Ms Ansi Alibava Mr. Ozair Kadir@kohli_sanjiv @MEAIndia @SushmaSwaraj 1/3

— India in New Zealand (@IndiainNZ) March 16, 2019

In another tweet later, 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. 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.

Our helpline numbers (021803899 & 021850033) will remain available round the clock to assist families as we together cope with our shared grief. We deeply mourn loss of all other innocent lives including people of Indian origin. 2/3

— India in New Zealand (@IndiainNZ) March 16, 2019

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. (With inputs from PTI)