Christchurch mass shooting: Nine Indian-origin people reported missing 

A policeman stands guard near one of the two mosques in Christchurch where the massacres were carried out.

New Delhi: The horrific terrorist attack on two mosques in the second most peaceful nation in the world, New Zealand, has left as many as 49 people dead and several others injured. At least nine Indian origin are reported missing in the mass shooting that took place in Christchurch, on Friday, the Indian high commissioner to the country, Sanjiv Kohli, mentioned in his tweet.

Kohli, on Twitter, said: “As per updates received from multiple sources, there are nine missing persons of Indian nationality/origin. Official confirmation still awaited. Huge crime against humanity. Our prayers with their families.”

“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. Can’t be a better example than this of dedication and solidarity.”

However, official sources have not yet confirmed the number or identities of the people, given the sensitivities involved in the matter.

Ravish Kumar, the spokesman for India’s foreign ministry, said, “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.”

According to New Zealand media reports, the gunman, said to be an Australian, opened indiscriminate fire at two mosques, Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Avenue Mosque, in Christchurch when members of the Muslim community were offering their Friday prayers.  Three men and one woman have been detained so far in connection with the terrorist attack.

Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports have claimed that two Indians have been injured in the shooting. AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi identified one of the victims as Mohammed Khurshid Jahangir. He has requested the foreign minister, Sushma Swaraj, to intervene in the case.

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