New Delhi: Nine Indians are believed to be missing after the shootings of two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, that has killed at least 49 people.
“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, High Commissioner of India to New Zealand said in a tweet.
Kohli said, “My deep gratitude to members of the community in Christchurch who are working thru the night to get updates for us on the victims of today’s dastardly attack. Can’t be a better example than this of dedication and solidarity.”
The external affairs ministry said it is still ascertaining the details of Indian nationals that have fallen victim to the massacre that occurred Friday morning.
“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,” said MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar.
Mass shootings occurred at two mosques full of worshippers attending Friday prayers. Authorities charged one person, detained three others and defused explosive devices in what appeared to be a carefully planned racist attack.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said New Zealand had suffered one of its darkest days. She said the perpetrators held extremist views “that have absolutely no place in New Zealand and in fact have no place in the world.”
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed that one of the gunmen was an Australian citizen who was “an extremist, right-wing, violent terrorist”.
Also read: Facebook & YouTube blindsided by live video of massacre in New Zealand mosques
In major worrisome mass shootings at two mosques in Christchurch city , NewZealand on 15 March 2019 , 50 persons are reported to have been killed and nearly same number injured. The police have arrested main person and legal process – investigation is continuing. The Govt version is that it was a terrorist attack. Obviously , the tragedy has sent shock waves across the world. In this connection , it is apt to bring out here this Vedic astrology writer’s predictive alert for more care and appropriate strategy through article “ Is war involving vulnerable countries across the world likely in February and March 2019 – A vedic astrology view” brought to public domain last year from 21 to 28 November in 2018. One of the predictive alerts had said that a country whose name begins with letter “ N” may do well to have more care and appropriate strategy during first three months of 2019 , more so in February –March against such worrisome substances or situations as fire , gas , chemical , venom , explosives and the like. It was also added that it may also be alright to keep a watchful eye on social or communal worrisome concerns where vulnerable. One may argue that at least , there are three countries whose name begins with letter “N” . Yes , but then vulnerability factor was also mentioned to zero in. It seems the alert was somewhere indicative.