At least 9 people of Indian nationality or Indian origin are missing after Friday's shootings at two mosques in New Zealand's Christchurch left 49 people dead, High Commissioner Sanjiv 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," Kohli tweeted.
"My deep gratitude to members of the community in Christchurch who are working through the night to get updates for us on the victims of today's dastardly attack. Cant be a better example than this of dedication and solidarity."
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) March 15, 2019
Gunmen said to be whites opened indiscriminate fire at two mosques -- Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Avenue Mosque -- in Christchurch during prayers in what New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said was a terror attack.
One gunman livestreamed shooting at the Al Noor Mosque in a 17-minute video and wrote a manifesto declaring his intentions, saying "it is a terrorist attack".
The Indian High Commission in New Zealand said any Indian caught up in the Christchurch mosque massacre and needing assistance could contact it.
"We are shocked to hear about the shooting in Christchurch. Any Indians needing assistance should contact us at 021803899 or 021850033," the mission tweeted.
HYDERABAD MAN SHOT AT IN NZ MASSACRE
A man from Hyderabad was critically injured and another was missing in the horrific massacre at one of the two mosques in New Zealand's Christchurch city on Friday.
Ahmed Iqbal Jehangir, who was at the Al Noor Mosque for Friday prayers, was injured and taken to hospital, his brother Mohammed Khursheed Jehangir told IANS here.
"My brother was shot in his chest. A video I received shows him lying on a stretcher," Khursheed said.
Ahmed, settled in New Zealand for 15 years, runs a Hyderabadi restaurant near the Al Noor Mosque. His family members were safe.
An anxious Khursheed was waiting for more information from New Zealand. He wants to rush to New Zealand to be with his brother and appealed to the Indian government for help.
A video from #ChristChurch shows one Ahmed Jehangir who was shot. His brother Iqbal Jehangir is a resident of Hyderabad & would like to go to NZ for Ahmed’s family.
— Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) March 15, 2019
I request @KTRTRS @TelanganaCMO @MEAIndia @SushmaSwaraj to make necessary arrangements for the Khursheed family
Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi has tweeted to Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj, urging her to expedite the visa process.
Another man from Hyderabad was also reported missing. Farhaj Ahsan had gone to the same mosque for prayers and was listed missing after the attack by gunmen.
Both the #Pulwama bomber and the #Christchurch gunman have left us statements on their motives. If we wish to stop them, we have to listen to them carefully. The hatred they articulate is merely the visible tip of a wider phenomenon. Take it seriously.
— Sanjeev Sanyal (@sanjeevsanyal) March 15, 2019
His father Mohammed Sayeeduddin and other family members were worried over Farhaj's well-being.
Owaisi also shared the details of Ahsan's family members with Swaraj and requested her to provide immediate assistance to facilitate their travel to New Zealand.