On Friday gunmen opened indiscriminate fire at two mosques in Christchurch in New Zealand. The attack left as many as 49 dead and shocked people all over the world. One of the attacker was from Australia and he reportedly live streamed shooting at Al Noor Mosque. Following the attack three men and a woman were arrested. New Zealand Mosque Mass Shooting: Bangladesh Cricket Team Unhurt, Tamim Iqbal Tweets About Safety.
During the attack, Bangladesh’s cricket team, currently on New Zealand tour, was also present near one of the mosques near Hagley Park for Friday prayers. The players had a narrow escape. New Zealand and Bangladesh were scheduled to play the third Test in the city which was later cancelled. International Cricket Council (ICC) and cricketers from all over the world condemned the attack.
"Our thoughts and sincere condolences go out to the families and friends of those affected by this horrendous incident in Christchurch. Both teams, staff and match officials are safe and the ICC fully supports the decision to cancel the Test match," ICC's CEO David Richardson said in an official statement. New Zealand Mosque Mass Shooting: NZ vs BAN 3rd Test Match in Christchurch Called Off.
Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohl and former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi also reacted to the terror attack. “Shocking and tragic. My heart goes out to the ones affected by this cowardly act at Christchurch. Thoughts with the Bangladesh team as well, stay safe,” Kohli wrote on Twitter.
Shocking and tragic. My heart goes out to the ones affected by this cowardly act at Christchurch. Thoughts with the Bangladesh team as well, stay safe. 🙏🏻
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) March 15, 2019
Horrifying tragedy #Christchurch. I found NZ one of safest, most peaceful places, people are friendly. Spoke to Tamim big relief B'desh squad/staff is safe. World must together! stop hatred!Terrorism has no religion! Prayers for bereaved families. May Allah bless the departed.
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) March 15, 2019
Horrific news out of Christchurch! Absolutely devastating. Thoughts and prayers go out to all affected at this extremely sad time 🙏🏻
— Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) March 15, 2019
Heartbreaking news coming out from New Zealand. What’s happened to humanity?
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) March 15, 2019
For so long I’ve watched world events from afar and naively thought we were somehow different in our little corner of the world, somehow safe. Today is a terrible day. Disgusted and saddened doesn’t begin to describe it.
— Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) March 15, 2019
Meanwhile, President of the New Zealand Muslim Association, Ikhlaq Kashkari thanked police and urged New Zealand to come together at this time. "New Zealand Muslim Community is deeply shocked and horrified about the shootings in the Christchurch mosques. Our heartfelt condolences are with the people and families that have been impacted by this incident. Our prayers and thoughts are with them. I would like to express my gratitude to the New Zealand public, Police, politicians, and community leaders that have contacted us at this time.
New Zealand Mosque Shootings: 49 Dead, Several Injured in Christchurh Terror Attack
NZMA urges all New Zealanders to stand together and not let this serious and tragic incident spoil the peace within our country.
We urge all Muslim doctors and medical practitioners in the area to provide the necessary support to the community and help the affected people in Christchurch. We urge all New Zealanders including our Muslim Community who are in the nearby areas to donate blood. We urge all New Zealanders to stay calm and united. We cannot allow these types of people divide our community. I urge all New Zealanders to come together and pray for peace. May Peace Be Upon You All,” Ikhlaq said in a statement.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 15, 2019 05:15 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).