Five Indians lost their lives in a gruesome terrorist attack in Christchurch, New Zealand. 50 people were killed and this news was confirmed by the Indian High Commission in New Zealand. Those who lost their lives were Ramiz Vora, Maheboob Khokar, Ansi Alibava Asif Vora, and Ozair Kadir.
The Indian High Commission tweeted to confirm the deaths and mentioned the helpline numbers- 021803899 and 021850033. These numbers would be available 24×7 for the families of the deceased to get information. The tweet mentioned that a group of community leaders has been appointed in Christchurch to help the families. “Those who need assistance while transiting through Auckland may contact our Hon Consul at 021531212,” they said in a tweet. The New Zealand immigration has set up a dedicated page to hasten the visa process for the family members of Christchurch attack victims.
Among the victims was Ansi, a 23-year-old from Kodungallur in Kerala’s Thrissur district. Her husband, Ponnadathu Abdul Nazar, works at a supermarket in the town, was praying at a different mosque. Nazar saw the firing happening in the mosque where Ansi was praying but could not reach the spot due to the commotion. Nazar later searched for her but realized that she was no more. Ansi was studying agriculture technology in New Zealand and the couple had moved to the country just a year ago after their marriage in 2017. Another victim, 65-year-old Meheboon Khokhar, from Juhapura in Ahmedabad was visiting his son Imran in Christchurch for the first time. He died after sustaining fatal gunshot wounds.
The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Arden said that the gun laws in the country will have to change in the wake of the mosque attacks. “Cabinet will discuss policy details Monday,” she was quoted by AP as saying.
The assailant, Brenton Tarrant, was identified as a right-wing extremist from Australia. He was armed with assault rifles, opened fire during prayers which killed 50 peaceful and unarmed people.
