Pakistan bestowed a national award on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/new-zealand-mosque-attack-foreign-ministry-calls-qureshi-to-condole-deaths-of-9-pak-citizens-203982">one of the victims of last week's mosque attack in New Zealand</a> who died along with his son while trying to confront the suspected white supremacist accused of the country's worst peacetime mass shooting.

Mian Naeem Rashid and his son Talha were among nine Pakistanis killed when a gunman attacked two mosques in the new Zealand city of Christchurch on Friday, the foreign ministry confirmed on Sunday.

Fifty people from countries including Afghanistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Egypt and Jordan were killed in the attack. Australian Brenton Tarrant, 28, was charged with murder on Saturday.

"Pakistan is proud of Mian Naeem Rashid who was martyred trying to tackle the white supremacist terrorist and his courage will be recognized with a national award," Prime Minister Imran Khan said in a statement posted on Twitter.

The BBC reported that footage filmed by the gunman himself showed Rashid confronting him outside the Al Noor mosque in Christchurch before he was killed along with his son.

The Pakistan government pledged support for families of all the Pakistani victims and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi announced a national day of mourning with flags flown at half-mast on Monday.

"The whole nation mourns this shock," he told reporters in Islamabad.

For Pakistan, which has suffered thousands of deaths from extremist violence over the years while facing accusations of allowing militant Islamist groups to operate from its soil, the attack showed that terrorism was a universal phenomenon.

"The mindless killing spree carried out by the terrorists once again proved that terrorism knows no religion or boundaries," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

"This affirms Pakistan's narrative that terrorism is an international phenomenon, having no religion and should not be associated with any religion."&nbsp;

Relatives of Rashid mourned his death in the northern city of Abbottabad on Sunday and Safi Rizwan, a nephew, said his uncle had left a message for everyone.&nbsp;

"If you see something happening that is not good for other humans, or if that is hurting other people, you give your everything to save them, even it means giving your life."

Pakistan bestowed a national award on one of the victims of last week's mosque attack in New Zealand who died along with his son while trying to confront the suspected white supremacist accused of the country's worst peacetime mass shooting.

Pakistan bestowed a national award on one of the victims of last week's mosque attack in New Zealand who died along with his son while trying to confront the suspected white supremacist accused of the country's worst peacetime mass shooting. Mian Naeem Rashid and his son Talha were among nine Pakistanis killed when a gunman attacked two mosques in the new Zealand city of Christchurch on Friday, the foreign ministry confirmed on Sunday. Fifty people from countries including Afghanistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Egypt and Jordan were killed in the attack. Australian Brenton Tarrant, 28, was charged with murder on Saturday. "Pakistan is proud of Mian Naeem Rashid who was martyred trying to tackle the white supremacist terrorist and his courage will be recognized with a national award," Prime Minister Imran Khan said in a statement posted on Twitter. The BBC reported that footage filmed by the gunman himself showed Rashid confronting him outside the Al Noor mosque in Christchurch before he was killed along with his son. The Pakistan government pledged support for families of all the Pakistani victims and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi announced a national day of mourning with flags flown at half-mast on Monday. "The whole nation mourns this shock," he told reporters in Islamabad. For Pakistan, which has suffered thousands of deaths from extremist violence over the years while facing accusations of allowing militant Islamist groups to operate from its soil, the attack showed that terrorism was a universal phenomenon. "The mindless killing spree carried out by the terrorists once again proved that terrorism knows no religion or boundaries," the foreign ministry said in a statement. "This affirms Pakistan's narrative that terrorism is an international phenomenon, having no religion and should not be associated with any religion." Relatives of Rashid mourned his death in the northern city of Abbottabad on Sunday and Safi Rizwan, a nephew, said his uncle had left a message for everyone. "If you see something happening that is not good for other humans, or if that is hurting other people, you give your everything to save them, even it means giving your life."

Pakistan salutes hero of New Zealand mosque shooting, awards national award

The carnage in Christchurch has sent shock waves across the Indian Ocean. Distant New Zealand suddenly has unmasked the horribly ugly face of racism that is on the rise almost everywhere in the western world and is often married to religious bigotry of the worst kind. Unfortunately, the demonisation of ‘Islamic Terror’ has diverted our attention from brutalities perpetrated by White psychopaths. After, the attack on the Noor Masjid it is impossible to turn a blind eye to the ghastliness that threatens to target us. &nbsp; 
 
Let there be no mistake we, the people of the sub-continent, are the primary target of those who can no longer be dismissed as the mentally disturbed, socially dysfunctional microscopic minority. Descendants of those who perpetrated genocide against indigenous people now have assumed the responsibility of cleansing ‘their land’ of outsiders/interlopers/immigrants. They daren’t incur the wrath of China but the open season has been declared on Asians-mostly Indians and Pakistanis. True, Turks are mentioned in the same breath but it is south Asians who comprise the largest section of visible aliens- hard working, irritatingly, prosperous, upwardly mobile. In New Zealand alone Indian population approximates 200,000 of which 20,000 are students. Australia is the first choice of those Indians looking in the South Easterly direction and understandably these numbers are larger there.&nbsp; 
 
What is disturbing is that our government has been working overtime to forge closer economic and strategic ties with countries in this region. The QUAD is conceived as a counterpoise to China and we have been happily opening our markets to produce from Australia. Synergies in diverse fields from mining to technology are repeatedly harped upon.

But can any real progress be made in the face of violent racial prejudice and climate of hate? It may be argued that what happened is an unfortunate accident and its unfair to hold the country responsible for it. It must be admitted that the New Zealand prime minister has promptly condemned the atrocity as an act of terrorism and made it clear that all who dwell in that country ‘are our own’. Still, it is not easy to be reassured. The fair-skinned imperialists who colonised Asia and Africa in the 18th-19th century are extremely reluctant to treat those with darker skin and practising a different faith as equals. The only language they understand is of power.&nbsp; 
 
A few years back the Skull Heads and Punks in London bragged about ‘Dot Busting’ and ‘Paki Bashing.’ Then started the attacks on Mom and Pop stores in US towns and cities. Nor have the university campuses remained safe for Indian students. Most regrettably the election of Donald Trump as the POTUS has aggravated the situation drastically. All this talk of building a wall to keep away the Mexicans, Cubans and sundry Hispanics has only fuelled racist prejudices. Tidal waves of Syrian and other refugees hitting European shores has unnerved many governments.&nbsp;

No one, however, has the time to recall what has rendered these wretched people homeless. Hadn’t the US so ruthlessly implemented a policy of regime change in the Middle East/West Asia the ‘White Christian Civilisation’ wouldn’t have been imperilled. Climate Change is a reality that has triggered a Tsunamis of Hate. From Germany to Sweden, from the US to Australia White Supremacists have been emboldened to embark on a reckless path of revenge and retribution. Restraint and reconciliation are for the meek and weak.&nbsp; 
 
Distance for most of us remains a geographical concept. Countries situated far away are not viewed as neighbours or significant in bilateral relations. Emotional distance is no less problematic. Neighbours next-door (Pakistan and China, for instance) often are perceived (and act) as enemies. This makes it almost impossible to resolve inherited disputes or irritants that crop up in the to time. Friends far away appear attractive allies. 
 
Why the tragic events in New Zealand have agitated us so much is for this reason that geographical distance should not lull us into a false sense of security. This time it was the Bangladeshi Cricket Team that had a narrow escape. Next time someone from India may not be so lucky. The Bell that is tolling is tolling for us.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) 
&nbsp;

The carnage in Christchurch has sent shock waves across the Indian Ocean. Distant New Zealand suddenly has unmasked the horribly ugly face of racism that is on the rise almost everywhere in the western world and is often married to religious bigotry of the worst kind.

The carnage in Christchurch has sent shock waves across the Indian Ocean. Distant New Zealand suddenly has unmasked the horribly ugly face of racism that is on the rise almost everywhere in the western world and is often married to religious bigotry of the worst kind. Unfortunately, the demonisation of ‘Islamic Terror’ has diverted our attention from brutalities perpetrated by White psychopaths. After, the attack on the Noor Masjid it is impossible to turn a blind eye to the ghastliness that threatens to target us. Let there be no mistake we, the people of the sub-continent, are the primary target of those who can no longer be dismissed as the mentally disturbed, socially dysfunctional microscopic minority. Descendants of those who perpetrated genocide against indigenous people now have assumed the responsibility of cleansing ‘their land’ of outsiders/interlopers/immigrants. They daren’t incur the wrath of China but the open season has been declared on Asians-mostly Indians and Pakistanis. True, Turks are mentioned in the same breath but it is south Asians who comprise the largest section of visible aliens- hard working, irritatingly, prosperous, upwardly mobile. In New Zealand alone Indian population approximates 200,000 of which 20,000 are students. Australia is the first choice of those Indians looking in the South Easterly direction and understandably these numbers are larger there. What is disturbing is that our government has been working overtime to forge closer economic and strategic ties with countries in this region. The QUAD is conceived as a counterpoise to China and we have been happily opening our markets to produce from Australia. Synergies in diverse fields from mining to technology are repeatedly harped upon. But can any real progress be made in the face of violent racial prejudice and climate of hate? It may be argued that what happened is an unfortunate accident and its unfair to hold the country responsible for it. It must be admitted that the New Zealand prime minister has promptly condemned the atrocity as an act of terrorism and made it clear that all who dwell in that country ‘are our own’. Still, it is not easy to be reassured. The fair-skinned imperialists who colonised Asia and Africa in the 18th-19th century are extremely reluctant to treat those with darker skin and practising a different faith as equals. The only language they understand is of power. A few years back the Skull Heads and Punks in London bragged about ‘Dot Busting’ and ‘Paki Bashing.’ Then started the attacks on Mom and Pop stores in US towns and cities. Nor have the university campuses remained safe for Indian students. Most regrettably the election of Donald Trump as the POTUS has aggravated the situation drastically. All this talk of building a wall to keep away the Mexicans, Cubans and sundry Hispanics has only fuelled racist prejudices. Tidal waves of Syrian and other refugees hitting European shores has unnerved many governments. No one, however, has the time to recall what has rendered these wretched people homeless. Hadn’t the US so ruthlessly implemented a policy of regime change in the Middle East/West Asia the ‘White Christian Civilisation’ wouldn’t have been imperilled. Climate Change is a reality that has triggered a Tsunamis of Hate. From Germany to Sweden, from the US to Australia White Supremacists have been emboldened to embark on a reckless path of revenge and retribution. Restraint and reconciliation are for the meek and weak. Distance for most of us remains a geographical concept. Countries situated far away are not viewed as neighbours or significant in bilateral relations. Emotional distance is no less problematic. Neighbours next-door (Pakistan and China, for instance) often are perceived (and act) as enemies. This makes it almost impossible to resolve inherited disputes or irritants that crop up in the to time. Friends far away appear attractive allies. Why the tragic events in New Zealand have agitated us so much is for this reason that geographical distance should not lull us into a false sense of security. This time it was the Bangladeshi Cricket Team that had a narrow escape. Next time someone from India may not be so lucky. The Bell that is tolling is tolling for us. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

New Zealand massacre: Lack of racial empathy a major cause of concern for Asians

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-pm-says-received-gunmans-manifesto-minutes-before-attack-203799">New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern</a> on Sunday said she would be looking for answers from Facebook and other social media firms about how an attack that killed 50 mosque-goers was live-streamed on their platforms.

Saying there were "further questions to be answered" by the tech giants, Ardern said Facebook chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg had been in contact and "acknowledged what has occurred here in New Zealand".

A horrific video shot by the gunmen who carried out the mosque massacre was live-streamed on Facebook before being removed by the company.

But the stream, lasting 17 minutes, was shared repeatedly on YouTube and Twitter, and internet platforms were scrambling to remove videos being reposted of the gruesome scenes.

"We did as much as we could to remove, or seek to have removed, some of the footage that was being circulated in the aftermath of this terrorist attack," Ardern said.

"But ultimately it has been up to those platforms to facilitate their removal."

"I do think that there are further questions to be answered."

In a statement on Sunday, Mia Garlick of Facebook New Zealand vowed to "work around the clock to remove violating content".

"In the first 24 hours we removed 1.5 million videos of the attack globally, of which over 1.2 million were blocked at upload," the company said.

Ardern was joined by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in expressing doubts that current rules go far enough.

Morrison said that social media companies had "co-operated" since the attack.

"But I sadly have to say that the capacity to actually assist fully is very limited on the technology side."

He said "assurances were given" that once such content was pulled down, a regime would make sure it did not go back up. "Clearly it hasn't (happened)."

"So I think there are some very real discussions that have to be had about how these facilities and capabilities as they exist on social media, can continue to be offered." 
&nbsp;

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Sunday said she would be looking for answers from Facebook and other social media firms about how an attack that killed 50 mosque-goers was live-streamed on their platforms.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Sunday said she would be looking for answers from Facebook and other social media firms about how an attack that killed 50 mosque-goers was live-streamed on their platforms. Saying there were "further questions to be answered" by the tech giants, Ardern said Facebook chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg had been in contact and "acknowledged what has occurred here in New Zealand". A horrific video shot by the gunmen who carried out the mosque massacre was live-streamed on Facebook before being removed by the company. But the stream, lasting 17 minutes, was shared repeatedly on YouTube and Twitter, and internet platforms were scrambling to remove videos being reposted of the gruesome scenes. "We did as much as we could to remove, or seek to have removed, some of the footage that was being circulated in the aftermath of this terrorist attack," Ardern said. "But ultimately it has been up to those platforms to facilitate their removal." "I do think that there are further questions to be answered." In a statement on Sunday, Mia Garlick of Facebook New Zealand vowed to "work around the clock to remove violating content". "In the first 24 hours we removed 1.5 million videos of the attack globally, of which over 1.2 million were blocked at upload," the company said. Ardern was joined by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in expressing doubts that current rules go far enough. Morrison said that social media companies had "co-operated" since the attack. "But I sadly have to say that the capacity to actually assist fully is very limited on the technology side." He said "assurances were given" that once such content was pulled down, a regime would make sure it did not go back up. "Clearly it hasn't (happened)." "So I think there are some very real discussions that have to be had about how these facilities and capabilities as they exist on social media, can continue to be offered."

New Zealand wants answers from tech giants after mosque attack livestream

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said her office received a "manifesto" from the gunman suspected of killing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/student-pilot-takeaway-store-owner-among-victims-of-new-zealand-mosque-shootings-203794">50 people in two Christchurch mosques</a> minutes before Friday's attack.

"I was one of more than 30 recipients of the manifesto that was mailed out nine minutes before the attack took place," Ardern told reporters on Sunday.

"It did not include a location, it did not include specific details," she said, adding that it was sent to security services within two minutes of receipt.

Ardern said she had read "elements" of the lengthy, meandering and conspiracy-filled far-right "manifesto".

"The fact that there was an ideological manifesto with extreme views attached to this attack, of course, that is deeply disturbing," she said.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said her office received a "manifesto" from the gunman suspected of killing 50 people in two Christchurch mosques minutes before Friday's attack.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said her office received a "manifesto" from the gunman suspected of killing 50 people in two Christchurch mosques minutes before Friday's attack. "I was one of more than 30 recipients of the manifesto that was mailed out nine minutes before the attack took place," Ardern told reporters on Sunday. "It did not include a location, it did not include specific details," she said, adding that it was sent to security services within two minutes of receipt. Ardern said she had read "elements" of the lengthy, meandering and conspiracy-filled far-right "manifesto". "The fact that there was an ideological manifesto with extreme views attached to this attack, of course, that is deeply disturbing," she said.

New Zealand PM says received gunman's 'manifesto' minutes before attack

An aircraft engineer, a takeaway store owner, a student pilot; details emerging of some of the 50 people gunned down at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-indians-confirmed-dead-in-new-zealand-terror-attack-death-toll-rises-to-50-203766">two New Zealand mosques</a> paint a picture of dozens of ordinary lives suddenly and savagely ended.

Australian Brenton Tarrant, 28, a suspected white supremacist, was charged with murder on Saturday. Tarrant was remanded without a plea and is due back in court on April 5 where police said he was likely to face further charges.

Friday's attack, which Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern labelled as terrorism, was the worst ever peacetime mass killing in New Zealand.

At Hagley College, a school across a park from the Al Noor mosque where more than 40 people were killed, a makeshift support centre was set up on Sunday

A stream of victims' friends and relatives entered, one woman carrying sandwiches and falafel.

Muzzamil Pathan arrived to offer his condolences for a friend, Imran Khan, who was killed at a second mosque in the suburb of Linwood.

Khan ran a takeaway and had recently opened a butcher shop, he said.

"He was a good person. We wish this did not happen. He came here to New Zealand 18 years ago - he was just 47. He was a self-made man," Pathan said.

National carrier Air New Zealand said Lilik Abdul Hamid, an aircraft maintenance engineer, was in killed at the Al Noor mosque.

“Lilik has been a valued part of our engineering team in Christchurch for 16 years, but he first got to know the team even earlier when he worked with our aircraft engineers in a previous role overseas," Air New Zealand Chief Executive Christopher Luxon said in a statement.

"The friendships he made at that time led him to apply for a role in Air New Zealand and make the move to Christchurch. His loss will be deeply felt by the team."

Hafiz Musa Patel, an Imman visiting from Fiji, was also killed, according to Abdul Aroon, a friend from Auckland.

“We didn’t think something like this could happen in this country,” Aroon told Reuters.

One student, who asked not to be identified, said a friend had been killed.

“He was studying to be a pilot and we saw him for morning classes. Then he went to the mosque as usual, and we aren't hearing from him," he said.

"I got a call last night from a friend, around midnight, to say he has passed away.”

The majority of victims were migrants or refugees from countries such as Pakistan, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Turkey, Somalia and Afghanistan.

Pakistan's high commissioner said six citizens had been killed and three were missing.

Khaled Mustafa, a recent refugee from Syria, had also been killed at the Al Noor mosque, Syrian Solidarity New Zealand spokesman Ali Akil told news website Stuff.

Mustafa and his family had "survived atrocities" in their home country and "arrived here in a safe haven only to be killed in the most atrocious way".

His son, Hamza, who is about 16, was missing, and his son Zaid, who is about 13, is in Christchurch Hospital where he underwent a six-hour operation, Akil said.

An aircraft engineer, a takeaway store owner, a student pilot; details emerging of some of the 50 people gunned down at two New Zealand mosques paint a picture of dozens of ordinary lives suddenly and savagely ended.

An aircraft engineer, a takeaway store owner, a student pilot; details emerging of some of the 50 people gunned down at two New Zealand mosques paint a picture of dozens of ordinary lives suddenly and savagely ended. Australian Brenton Tarrant, 28, a suspected white supremacist, was charged with murder on Saturday. Tarrant was remanded without a plea and is due back in court on April 5 where police said he was likely to face further charges. Friday's attack, which Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern labelled as terrorism, was the worst ever peacetime mass killing in New Zealand. At Hagley College, a school across a park from the Al Noor mosque where more than 40 people were killed, a makeshift support centre was set up on Sunday A stream of victims' friends and relatives entered, one woman carrying sandwiches and falafel. Muzzamil Pathan arrived to offer his condolences for a friend, Imran Khan, who was killed at a second mosque in the suburb of Linwood. Khan ran a takeaway and had recently opened a butcher shop, he said. "He was a good person. We wish this did not happen. He came here to New Zealand 18 years ago - he was just 47. He was a self-made man," Pathan said. National carrier Air New Zealand said Lilik Abdul Hamid, an aircraft maintenance engineer, was in killed at the Al Noor mosque. “Lilik has been a valued part of our engineering team in Christchurch for 16 years, but he first got to know the team even earlier when he worked with our aircraft engineers in a previous role overseas," Air New Zealand Chief Executive Christopher Luxon said in a statement. "The friendships he made at that time led him to apply for a role in Air New Zealand and make the move to Christchurch. His loss will be deeply felt by the team." Hafiz Musa Patel, an Imman visiting from Fiji, was also killed, according to Abdul Aroon, a friend from Auckland. “We didn’t think something like this could happen in this country,” Aroon told Reuters. One student, who asked not to be identified, said a friend had been killed. “He was studying to be a pilot and we saw him for morning classes. Then he went to the mosque as usual, and we aren't hearing from him," he said. "I got a call last night from a friend, around midnight, to say he has passed away.” The majority of victims were migrants or refugees from countries such as Pakistan, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Turkey, Somalia and Afghanistan. Pakistan's high commissioner said six citizens had been killed and three were missing. Khaled Mustafa, a recent refugee from Syria, had also been killed at the Al Noor mosque, Syrian Solidarity New Zealand spokesman Ali Akil told news website Stuff. Mustafa and his family had "survived atrocities" in their home country and "arrived here in a safe haven only to be killed in the most atrocious way". His son, Hamza, who is about 16, was missing, and his son Zaid, who is about 13, is in Christchurch Hospital where he underwent a six-hour operation, Akil said.

Student pilot, takeaway store owner among victims of New Zealand mosque shootings

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-navy-says-ins-vikramaditya-nuclear-submarines-deployed-in-northern-arabian-sea-amid-indo-pak-tensions-203846">Indian Navy says INS Vikramaditya, nuclear submarines were deployed in </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-navy-says-ins-vikramaditya-nuclear-submarines-deployed-in-northern-arabian-sea-amid-indo-pak-tensions-203846">northern</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-navy-says-ins-vikramaditya-nuclear-submarines-deployed-in-northern-arabian-sea-amid-indo-pak-tensions-203846"> Arabian Sea after Pulwama terror attack</a>

The Indian navy said that it had deployed its assets including INS Vikramaditya and nuclear submarines in northern Arabian sea in the last week of February amid tension between India and Pakistan following Pulwama terror attack on February 14.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-bjp-releases-andhra-arunachal-candidates-list-203879">Lok Sabha polls: BJP releases Andhra, Arunachal candidates list</a>

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released its list of candidates for the 54 seats of Arunachal Pradesh and 123 seats of Andhra Pradesh for upcoming legislative assembly elections on Sunday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-returns-the-favour-leaves-seven-seats-for-sp-bsp-combine-in-uttar-pradesh-203877">Lok Sabha polls: Congress returns the favour, leaves seven seats for SP-BSP combine in Uttar Pradesh&nbsp;</a>

Pakistan: Four killed, 10 wounded after bomb went off on train track in Balochistan

Four people were killed and 10 injured in Pakistan on Sunday when a bomb went off on a train track in the resource-rich province of Balochistan, where separatist rebels have been fighting the security forces for years.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suspicious-package-shutters-new-zealands-dunedin-airport-203848">'Suspicious package' shutters New Zealand's Dunedin airport</a>

New Zealand police closed Dunedin airport late Sunday after a suspicious device was reported on the airfield.&nbsp;

'Dunedin Airport is currently closed' a statement said. 'Police are at the scene and specialist teams have been deployed to determine the nature of the package.'

Indian Navy says INS Vikramaditya, nuclear submarines were deployed in northern Arabian Sea after Pulwama terror attack The Indian navy said that it had deployed its assets including INS Vikramaditya and nuclear submarines in northern Arabian sea in the last week of February amid tension between India and Pakistan following Pulwama terror attack on February 14.

Indian Navy says INS Vikramaditya, nuclear submarines were deployed in northern Arabian Sea after Pulwama terror attack The Indian navy said that it had deployed its assets including INS Vikramaditya and nuclear submarines in northern Arabian sea in the last week of February amid tension between India and Pakistan following Pulwama terror attack on February 14. Lok Sabha polls: BJP releases Andhra, Arunachal candidates list The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released its list of candidates for the 54 seats of Arunachal Pradesh and 123 seats of Andhra Pradesh for upcoming legislative assembly elections on Sunday. Lok Sabha polls: Congress returns the favour, leaves seven seats for SP-BSP combine in Uttar Pradesh Pakistan: Four killed, 10 wounded after bomb went off on train track in Balochistan Four people were killed and 10 injured in Pakistan on Sunday when a bomb went off on a train track in the resource-rich province of Balochistan, where separatist rebels have been fighting the security forces for years. 'Suspicious package' shutters New Zealand's Dunedin airport New Zealand police closed Dunedin airport late Sunday after a suspicious device was reported on the airfield. 'Dunedin Airport is currently closed' a statement said. 'Police are at the scene and specialist teams have been deployed to determine the nature of the package.'

News brief: Big stories of the day

A carnage in far way New Zealand has left three families grieving in Gujarat as four of their relatives are among those killed in the shootings at two mosques in Christchurch that shook the world. 
 
At least <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-indians-confirmed-dead-in-new-zealand-terror-attack-death-toll-rises-to-50-203766">50 people were killed</a> in the ghastly terror attack on Friday as worshippers gathered for weekly prayers. 
 
Two of the deceased were natives of Bharuch and Navsari districts in Gujarat. 
 
Besides, a father-son duo killed in the attack hailed from Vadodara and their family back home is shattered and finding it hard to cope with the loss of two of their members in the gun attack on a mosque in New Zealand last Friday. 
 
Yasmeen Vora from Vadodara said their relative Arif Vora (58) went to New Zealand with his wife on February 14 to see their son Rameez Vora (28), who was recently blessed with a baby boy. 
 
Rameez Vora, who was settled in New Zealand, took his parents to offer Friday prayers at the mosque when the incident took place, she said. 
 
'Arif's other son Raheel, who lives in Australia, confirmed that both Arif Bhai and Rameez were killed in the attack,'&nbsp;said the distraught woman. 
 
The family members approached Lok Sabha member from Vadodara, Ranjan Bhatt, who has assured help, she said. 
 
Equally, heart-wrenching is the case of deceased Hafiz Musa Patel (56), an Imam hailing from Luwara village in Bharuch, who had gone to New Zealand only a few weeks back as he was planning to settle there, his relative Ayub Ghadi said. 
 
Patel was living in Fiji for the last three decades. His two daughters and three sons are settled in Australia and New Zealand. 
 
'He went to New Zealand three weeks ago after his citizenship there was confirmed,'&nbsp;Ghadi said. 
 
'He had gone to the mosque to offer Friday prayers with his wife and a friend when the shooting happened. Bullets hit Patel's back following which he was shifted to a hospital in Christchurch where he succumbed,'&nbsp;he said. 
 
Besides, Juned Kara from Navsari was also among those killed in the attack, district Superintendent of Police Girish Pandya said. 
 
'Kara, a native of Adada village in Navsari, was among those killed in the attack. It was confirmed last night'&nbsp;Pandya said.

A carnage in far way New Zealand has left three families grieving in Gujarat as four of their relatives are among those killed in the shootings at two mosques in Christchurch that shook the world.

A carnage in far way New Zealand has left three families grieving in Gujarat as four of their relatives are among those killed in the shootings at two mosques in Christchurch that shook the world. At least 50 people were killed in the ghastly terror attack on Friday as worshippers gathered for weekly prayers. Two of the deceased were natives of Bharuch and Navsari districts in Gujarat. Besides, a father-son duo killed in the attack hailed from Vadodara and their family back home is shattered and finding it hard to cope with the loss of two of their members in the gun attack on a mosque in New Zealand last Friday. Yasmeen Vora from Vadodara said their relative Arif Vora (58) went to New Zealand with his wife on February 14 to see their son Rameez Vora (28), who was recently blessed with a baby boy. Rameez Vora, who was settled in New Zealand, took his parents to offer Friday prayers at the mosque when the incident took place, she said. 'Arif's other son Raheel, who lives in Australia, confirmed that both Arif Bhai and Rameez were killed in the attack,' said the distraught woman. The family members approached Lok Sabha member from Vadodara, Ranjan Bhatt, who has assured help, she said. Equally, heart-wrenching is the case of deceased Hafiz Musa Patel (56), an Imam hailing from Luwara village in Bharuch, who had gone to New Zealand only a few weeks back as he was planning to settle there, his relative Ayub Ghadi said. Patel was living in Fiji for the last three decades. His two daughters and three sons are settled in Australia and New Zealand. 'He went to New Zealand three weeks ago after his citizenship there was confirmed,' Ghadi said. 'He had gone to the mosque to offer Friday prayers with his wife and a friend when the shooting happened. Bullets hit Patel's back following which he was shifted to a hospital in Christchurch where he succumbed,' he said. Besides, Juned Kara from Navsari was also among those killed in the attack, district Superintendent of Police Girish Pandya said. 'Kara, a native of Adada village in Navsari, was among those killed in the attack. It was confirmed last night' Pandya said.

New Zealand attack: Three families in Gujarat mourn their relatives' death

"Just an ordinary White man, 28 years old," was how Brenton Harrison Tarrant, accused of killing 49 people and injuring more at two mosques in New Zealand, introduced himself to the world in a manifesto circulating online.

"Born in Australia to a working class, low-income family," he added.

Other than that, the country that spawned the man accused of the world's second-deadliest shooting was scrambling for clues about a life that those in his hometown said left little impression until he unleashed a long, articulate screed published online along with a link to a livestream video of the mosque shootings.

Under New Zealand's contempt rules, there are limits on what can be published about him, to preserve his right to a fair trial.

Although his social media profiles on Facebook and Twitter were taken down soon after news of the incident spread, police said Tarrant had lived in Grafton, an inland city split by a river and known for its logging industry, about 500 kilometres (310 miles) north of Sydney.

In his 74-page manifesto, he said he had gone to the local high school. Grafton High School did not return a Reuters phone call seeking comment.

Tarrant said in his document he received "little education during my schooling, barely achieving a passing grade", skipping university to work and deal in cryptocurrency, which he said was profitable.

He also became a committed member of his local gym, Big River Squash and Fitness Centre, as a high school student, qualifying as a personal trainer, the Sydney Morning Herald quoted its owner, Tracey Gray, as saying.

"He started coming to my facility as a boy that was finishing school and showed a lot of dedication to his own training," the paper quoted Gray as saying. "He never showed any extremist tendencies in conversations I had with him."

Tarrant left Grafton around the time of his father's death in about 2011, Gray told the Herald. On Saturday, no one was answering the gym's phone and its Facebook page had been disabled.

Grafton Police declined to comment on whether they had any previous dealings with Tarrant, as did the New South Wales state police. New Zealand authorities have said he was not on any watchlists.

Experiences abroad&nbsp;

Tarrant wrote that he used the spoils of his cryptocurrency dealings to travel in France, Spain and Portugal in 2017.

Several countries checked their records after the attacks and discovered that he had also embarked on other travels.

A few months before his Western Europe trip, in late 2016, Tarrant visited Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia, where he stopped by historic battle sites, Bulgarian Chief Prosecutor Sotir Tsatsarov told Reuters.

He returned to the region in November 2018 to tour historic sites of Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary.

His interest showed "a very serious knowledge of the Balkan history in details I would say even few people in the Balkans know," Bulgarian Foreign Minister Elaterid Zachariah said.

Tarrant also visited Turkey "multiple times and spent an extended period of time in the country", a senior Turkish official told Reuters, without giving dates. The authorities there were now investigating his movements domestically in the wake of the shooting, added the official, who was not authorised to speak to the media and commented on condition of anonymity.

His suspended Facebook page also showed a post from Pakistan in 2018 in which he called the country "an incredible place filled with the most earnest, kind-hearted and hospitable people in the world," according to the Herald.

In Grafton, which holds a jacaranda festival each October, councillor Greg Clan said the city was conservative with no mosque or significant Muslim population.

"Why this particular person from Grafton had a set against Muslims I would not know," he said. "It's just weird, apart from being shocking."

"Just an ordinary White man, 28 years old," was how Brenton Harrison Tarrant, accused of killing 49 people and injuring more at two mosques in New Zealand, introduced himself to the world in a manifesto circulating online.

"Just an ordinary White man, 28 years old," was how Brenton Harrison Tarrant, accused of killing 49 people and injuring more at two mosques in New Zealand, introduced himself to the world in a manifesto circulating online. "Born in Australia to a working class, low-income family," he added. Other than that, the country that spawned the man accused of the world's second-deadliest shooting was scrambling for clues about a life that those in his hometown said left little impression until he unleashed a long, articulate screed published online along with a link to a livestream video of the mosque shootings. Under New Zealand's contempt rules, there are limits on what can be published about him, to preserve his right to a fair trial. Although his social media profiles on Facebook and Twitter were taken down soon after news of the incident spread, police said Tarrant had lived in Grafton, an inland city split by a river and known for its logging industry, about 500 kilometres (310 miles) north of Sydney. In his 74-page manifesto, he said he had gone to the local high school. Grafton High School did not return a Reuters phone call seeking comment. Tarrant said in his document he received "little education during my schooling, barely achieving a passing grade", skipping university to work and deal in cryptocurrency, which he said was profitable. He also became a committed member of his local gym, Big River Squash and Fitness Centre, as a high school student, qualifying as a personal trainer, the Sydney Morning Herald quoted its owner, Tracey Gray, as saying. "He started coming to my facility as a boy that was finishing school and showed a lot of dedication to his own training," the paper quoted Gray as saying. "He never showed any extremist tendencies in conversations I had with him." Tarrant left Grafton around the time of his father's death in about 2011, Gray told the Herald. On Saturday, no one was answering the gym's phone and its Facebook page had been disabled. Grafton Police declined to comment on whether they had any previous dealings with Tarrant, as did the New South Wales state police. New Zealand authorities have said he was not on any watchlists. Experiences abroad Tarrant wrote that he used the spoils of his cryptocurrency dealings to travel in France, Spain and Portugal in 2017. Several countries checked their records after the attacks and discovered that he had also embarked on other travels. A few months before his Western Europe trip, in late 2016, Tarrant visited Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia, where he stopped by historic battle sites, Bulgarian Chief Prosecutor Sotir Tsatsarov told Reuters. He returned to the region in November 2018 to tour historic sites of Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary. His interest showed "a very serious knowledge of the Balkan history in details I would say even few people in the Balkans know," Bulgarian Foreign Minister Elaterid Zachariah said. Tarrant also visited Turkey "multiple times and spent an extended period of time in the country", a senior Turkish official told Reuters, without giving dates. The authorities there were now investigating his movements domestically in the wake of the shooting, added the official, who was not authorised to speak to the media and commented on condition of anonymity. His suspended Facebook page also showed a post from Pakistan in 2018 in which he called the country "an incredible place filled with the most earnest, kind-hearted and hospitable people in the world," according to the Herald. In Grafton, which holds a jacaranda festival each October, councillor Greg Clan said the city was conservative with no mosque or significant Muslim population. "Why this particular person from Grafton had a set against Muslims I would not know," he said. "It's just weird, apart from being shocking."

In New Zealand, a journey around the world and into darkness

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-mass-shooting-suspect-remanded-until-april-5-203622">New Zealand mass shooting suspect charged with murder, remanded until April 5</a>

The main suspect in mass shootings at two New Zealand mosques was charged with one count of murder on Saturday, a day after the attack that killed 49 people and wounded dozens, prompting the prime minister to vow reform of the country's gun laws.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-vetoes-measure-to-end-his-emergency-declaration-on-border-wall-203626">Trump vetoes measure to end his emergency declaration on </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-vetoes-measure-to-end-his-emergency-declaration-on-border-wall-203626">border</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-vetoes-measure-to-end-his-emergency-declaration-on-border-wall-203626"> wall</a>

President Donald Trump issued the first veto of his presidency on Friday to block a&nbsp;measure passed by Democrats and Republicans&nbsp;in Congress that would terminate his emergency declaration for a wall on the&nbsp;US border with Mexico.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-to-host-fifa-u-17-womens-world-cup-in-2020-203620">India to host FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in 2020</a>

India is set to host the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in 2020. The decision to award the rights to India was taken at the FIFA Council meeting in Miami, USA on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-pm-vows-gun-reforms-after-racist-mosque-massacre-203623">New Zealand PM vows gun reforms after mosque massacre</a>

New Zealand's prime minister vowed to toughen the country's gun laws after revealing Saturday that the man&nbsp;accused of murdering 49 people&nbsp;in two mosques legally purchased the arsenal of firearms used in the massacre.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-secretary-of-state-pompeo-says-us-hopes-to-continue-talks-with-north-korea-203592">US Secretary of State Pompeo says </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-secretary-of-state-pompeo-says-us-hopes-to-continue-talks-with-north-korea-203592">US</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-secretary-of-state-pompeo-says-us-hopes-to-continue-talks-with-north-korea-203592"> hopes to continue talks with North Korea</a>

The United States is hopeful that it can continue to hold&nbsp;denuclearization talks&nbsp;with North Korea, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Friday (March 15) following reports that a top Pyongyang official had said the country may suspend negotiations.

New Zealand mass shooting suspect charged with murder, remanded until April 5 The main suspect in mass shootings at two New Zealand mosques was charged with one count of murder on Saturday, a day after the attack that killed 49 people and wounded dozens, prompting the prime minister to vow reform of the country's gun laws.

New Zealand mass shooting suspect charged with murder, remanded until April 5 The main suspect in mass shootings at two New Zealand mosques was charged with one count of murder on Saturday, a day after the attack that killed 49 people and wounded dozens, prompting the prime minister to vow reform of the country's gun laws. Trump vetoes measure to end his emergency declaration on border wall President Donald Trump issued the first veto of his presidency on Friday to block a measure passed by Democrats and Republicans in Congress that would terminate his emergency declaration for a wall on the US border with Mexico. India to host FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in 2020 India is set to host the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in 2020. The decision to award the rights to India was taken at the FIFA Council meeting in Miami, USA on Friday. New Zealand PM vows gun reforms after mosque massacre New Zealand's prime minister vowed to toughen the country's gun laws after revealing Saturday that the man accused of murdering 49 people in two mosques legally purchased the arsenal of firearms used in the massacre. US Secretary of State Pompeo says US hopes to continue talks with North Korea The United States is hopeful that it can continue to hold denuclearization talks with North Korea, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Friday (March 15) following reports that a top Pyongyang official had said the country may suspend negotiations.

Six Pakistani nationals were killed in the terror attack on two mosques in New Zealand and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-man-dies-trying-to-overpower-new-zealand-mosque-attacker-203728">one of them died while he was reportedly attempting to stop</a> the shooter.

Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal confirmed that six Pakistanis were among 49 worshippers killed by an Australia-born gunman at two mosques during Friday prayers in New Zealand's Christchurch city.

The deceased has been identified as Sohail Shahid, Syed Jahandad Ali, Syed Areeb Ahmed, Mahboob Haroon, Naeem Rashid and his son Talha Naeem.

The Foreign Office spokesman said that three others who are missing are yet to be identified.

Our Mission and family members of the missing persons, currently in Christchurch, are assisting in this process, he said.

Faisal said that New Zealand police circulated 74 names of missing persons after the incident as reported by families and diplomatic representatives.

Authorities informed that they have only 49 bodies and police sought assistance to delete names that were duplicated.

According to a media report, one of the deceased, Naeem Rashid, died while he was attempting to stop the shooter during the attack.

Rashid succumbed to his wounds while under treatment following the attack and was identified as the individual who rushed at the right-wing terrorist attacking the mosque in Christchurch city, the Express Tribune reported.

Rashid, hailing from Abbottabad, received bullet wounds as he tried to overpower the shooter as he entered one of the mosques in Christchurch, the daily said. His son Rashid also died in the attack.

The 28-year-old gunman, identified Brenton Tarrant, live-streamed footage of himself going room-to-room, victim to victim, shooting the wounded from close range as they struggled to crawl away.

He also published a racist 'manifesto' on social media before the attack, featuring conspiracy theories about Europeans being "displaced" by immigrants and details of two years of preparation and radicalisation leading up to the shootings.

His two targets were the Masjid al Noor mosque, where 41 people died, and a second, smaller mosque in the suburb of Linwood, where seven more died. The remaining victim succumbed in hospital.

The survivors included 17 members of Bangladesh's cricket team, whose game against New Zealand on Saturday has been cancelled, and a Palestinian man who fled for his life after seeing someone being shot in the head.

The attack has shocked New Zealanders, who are used to seeing around 50 murders a year in the entire country of 4.8 million and pride themselves on living in a secure and welcoming place.

Police warned Muslims all over the country not to visit mosques anywhere in New Zealand in the wake of the Christchurch attacks.&nbsp;

Six Pakistani nationals were killed in the terror attack on two mosques in New Zealand and one of them died while he was reportedly attempting to stop the shooter.

Six Pakistani nationals were killed in the terror attack on two mosques in New Zealand and one of them died while he was reportedly attempting to stop the shooter. Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal confirmed that six Pakistanis were among 49 worshippers killed by an Australia-born gunman at two mosques during Friday prayers in New Zealand's Christchurch city. The deceased has been identified as Sohail Shahid, Syed Jahandad Ali, Syed Areeb Ahmed, Mahboob Haroon, Naeem Rashid and his son Talha Naeem. The Foreign Office spokesman said that three others who are missing are yet to be identified. Our Mission and family members of the missing persons, currently in Christchurch, are assisting in this process, he said. Faisal said that New Zealand police circulated 74 names of missing persons after the incident as reported by families and diplomatic representatives. Authorities informed that they have only 49 bodies and police sought assistance to delete names that were duplicated. According to a media report, one of the deceased, Naeem Rashid, died while he was attempting to stop the shooter during the attack. Rashid succumbed to his wounds while under treatment following the attack and was identified as the individual who rushed at the right-wing terrorist attacking the mosque in Christchurch city, the Express Tribune reported. Rashid, hailing from Abbottabad, received bullet wounds as he tried to overpower the shooter as he entered one of the mosques in Christchurch, the daily said. His son Rashid also died in the attack. The 28-year-old gunman, identified Brenton Tarrant, live-streamed footage of himself going room-to-room, victim to victim, shooting the wounded from close range as they struggled to crawl away. He also published a racist 'manifesto' on social media before the attack, featuring conspiracy theories about Europeans being "displaced" by immigrants and details of two years of preparation and radicalisation leading up to the shootings. His two targets were the Masjid al Noor mosque, where 41 people died, and a second, smaller mosque in the suburb of Linwood, where seven more died. The remaining victim succumbed in hospital. The survivors included 17 members of Bangladesh's cricket team, whose game against New Zealand on Saturday has been cancelled, and a Palestinian man who fled for his life after seeing someone being shot in the head. The attack has shocked New Zealanders, who are used to seeing around 50 murders a year in the entire country of 4.8 million and pride themselves on living in a secure and welcoming place. Police warned Muslims all over the country not to visit mosques anywhere in New Zealand in the wake of the Christchurch attacks.

Pak Foreign Office confirms deaths of six Pakistanis in New Zealand terror attack

US President Donald Trump on Friday said that he did not see a rise in white nationalism across the world after the accused in the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-mosque-shootings-kill-49-in-what-pm-calls-terrorist-attack-203560"> New Zealand mosque terror attack </a>called the president "a symbol of renewed white identity."

“I don't really think so. I think it’s a small group of people that have very, very serious problems,” The Hill quoted Trump as saying when asked if he saw a rise in white nationalism.

"If you look at what happened in New Zealand, perhaps that’s the case. I don’t know enough about it yet," he added.

Earlier, a social media account believed to be linked to the Australian-born suspect, who filmed himself, while carrying out the attack, had posted a lengthy manifesto, expressing anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim views.

He wrote that he supported Trump “as a symbol of renewed white identity and common purpose” but not as a “policymaker and leader.”

Responding to the same, Trump said that he was yet to see the manifesto and called the mass shootings "horrible".

The 28-year-old suspect, identified as Brenton Harrison Tarrant <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-mass-shooting-suspect-remanded-until-april-5-203622">appeared before a Christchurch court</a> on Saturday on murder charges connected with Friday's terror attacks in Christchurch, which left at least 49 people dead.

He was remanded in custody without plea until April 5.

The accused is an Australian-born citizen and is a resident of Dunedin, situated around 360 km south of Christchurch.

Earlier, Trump spoke to New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and offered assistance to the country in the wake of the terror attack.

"Just spoke with Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, regarding the horrific events that have taken place over the past 24 hours. I informed the Prime Minister that we stand in solidarity with New Zealand - and that any assistance the USA can give, we stand by ready to help. We love you New Zealand!" he wrote on Twitter.

In the worst ever terror attack in New Zealand, multiple gunmen carried out indiscriminate shootings at two mosques in Christchurch during the Friday prayers, leaving 49 people dead and at least 48 wounded, besides giving a scare to the Bangladesh cricket team which had a narrow escape.

Using automatic weapons, the gunmen, four of who were initially taken into custody, launched a "well-planned" attack on the mosques when devotees had assembled for the weekly prayers.

According to the police, 41 people were killed at Al Noor mosque and seven at Linwood mosque while one injured died in a hospital.

Condemning the terror strike, Ardern had described it as a “terror attack” and said it “appears to have been well planned”. She asserted that New Zealand “will not and cannot be shaken” by this attack.

Several guns have been recovered from both mosques, while, two explosive devices were found on two vehicles at the scene, one of which was defused, the police confirmed.

Ardern vowed that gun laws "will change" in the wake of the worst terror attacks in the country`s history.

The New Zealand premier, her cabinet ministers and opposition leader Simon Bridges flew to Christchurch from Wellington today morning in the wake of the terror attacks.

Upon her arrival, Ardern visited the Canterbury Refugees Centre, where she interacted with Muslim community leaders who were expressing their concerns about finding a place of worship after all mosques in the city were shut down in the wake of the shootings, according to New Zealand Herald.

Ardern assured the group that local council leaders were working tirelessly to provide alternative and safe places for worship, adding that security was beefed up to ensure safety.

Around 3,000 people from all walks of lives and representing different faiths gathered for a peace vigil in Aotea Square in Auckland to stand in solidarity with the victims of the Christchurch terror attacks.

Several events scheduled for today have been cancelled in the wake of the mass shootings in Christchurch.

US President Donald Trump on Friday said that he did not see a rise in white nationalism across the world after the accused in the New Zealand mosque terror attack called the president "a symbol of renewed white identity.

US President Donald Trump on Friday said that he did not see a rise in white nationalism across the world after the accused in the New Zealand mosque terror attack called the president "a symbol of renewed white identity." “I don't really think so. I think it’s a small group of people that have very, very serious problems,” The Hill quoted Trump as saying when asked if he saw a rise in white nationalism. "If you look at what happened in New Zealand, perhaps that’s the case. I don’t know enough about it yet," he added. Earlier, a social media account believed to be linked to the Australian-born suspect, who filmed himself, while carrying out the attack, had posted a lengthy manifesto, expressing anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim views. He wrote that he supported Trump “as a symbol of renewed white identity and common purpose” but not as a “policymaker and leader.” Responding to the same, Trump said that he was yet to see the manifesto and called the mass shootings "horrible". The 28-year-old suspect, identified as Brenton Harrison Tarrant appeared before a Christchurch court on Saturday on murder charges connected with Friday's terror attacks in Christchurch, which left at least 49 people dead. He was remanded in custody without plea until April 5. The accused is an Australian-born citizen and is a resident of Dunedin, situated around 360 km south of Christchurch. Earlier, Trump spoke to New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and offered assistance to the country in the wake of the terror attack. "Just spoke with Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, regarding the horrific events that have taken place over the past 24 hours. I informed the Prime Minister that we stand in solidarity with New Zealand - and that any assistance the USA can give, we stand by ready to help. We love you New Zealand!" he wrote on Twitter. In the worst ever terror attack in New Zealand, multiple gunmen carried out indiscriminate shootings at two mosques in Christchurch during the Friday prayers, leaving 49 people dead and at least 48 wounded, besides giving a scare to the Bangladesh cricket team which had a narrow escape. Using automatic weapons, the gunmen, four of who were initially taken into custody, launched a "well-planned" attack on the mosques when devotees had assembled for the weekly prayers. According to the police, 41 people were killed at Al Noor mosque and seven at Linwood mosque while one injured died in a hospital. Condemning the terror strike, Ardern had described it as a “terror attack” and said it “appears to have been well planned”. She asserted that New Zealand “will not and cannot be shaken” by this attack. Several guns have been recovered from both mosques, while, two explosive devices were found on two vehicles at the scene, one of which was defused, the police confirmed. Ardern vowed that gun laws "will change" in the wake of the worst terror attacks in the country`s history. The New Zealand premier, her cabinet ministers and opposition leader Simon Bridges flew to Christchurch from Wellington today morning in the wake of the terror attacks. Upon her arrival, Ardern visited the Canterbury Refugees Centre, where she interacted with Muslim community leaders who were expressing their concerns about finding a place of worship after all mosques in the city were shut down in the wake of the shootings, according to New Zealand Herald. Ardern assured the group that local council leaders were working tirelessly to provide alternative and safe places for worship, adding that security was beefed up to ensure safety. Around 3,000 people from all walks of lives and representing different faiths gathered for a peace vigil in Aotea Square in Auckland to stand in solidarity with the victims of the Christchurch terror attacks. Several events scheduled for today have been cancelled in the wake of the mass shootings in Christchurch.

White nationalism not a rising threat: Trump on New Zealand mosque shooter

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/17-minutes-of-carnage-how-new-zealand-gunman-broadcast-his-killings-on-facebook-203719">17 minutes of carnage: How New Zealand gunman broadcast his killings on Facebook</a>

A gunman who killed 49 people at two New Zealand mosques live-streamed the attacks on Facebook for 17 minutes using an app designed for extreme sports enthusiasts, with copies still being shared on social media hours later.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/controversial-australian-senator-egged-after-new-zealand-shootings-statement-203716">Watch: Controversial Australian senator egged after New Zealand shootings statement</a>

An Australian senator, who made controversial comments about the New Zealand mosque shootings yesterday, punched a 17-year-old boy after he was egged at an event in Melbourne on Saturday.

Senator Fraser Anning, who has a history of racist comments, was egged at a news conference and proceeded to physically assault the person who egged him.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-to-us-afghanistan-should-have-an-elected-political-structure-post-us-withdrawal-203699">India to </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-to-us-afghanistan-should-have-an-elected-political-structure-post-us-withdrawal-203699">US</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-to-us-afghanistan-should-have-an-elected-political-structure-post-us-withdrawal-203699">: Afghanistan should have an elected 'political structure' post US withdrawal</a>

India recently told the US that an elected political structure should remain in place post-US withdrawal from Afghanistan. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, who was in Washington last week, met United State's special envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad during which both discussed the peace process in strife-torn, landlocked South Asian country.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-man-dies-trying-to-overpower-new-zealand-mosque-attacker-203728">Pakistani man dies trying to overpower New Zealand mosque attacker</a>

Two Pakistani nationals were killed in the terror attack on two mosques in New Zealand and one of them died while he was attempting to stop the shooter during the attack, according to a media report.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-kashmir-spo-khushboo-jan-shot-dead-by-terrorists-in-shopian-district-203721">Jammu &amp; Kashmir: SPO shot dead by terrorists in Shopian district</a>

A woman special police officer (SPO) was shot dead by terrorists in south Kashmir’s Shopian on Saturday afternoon.&nbsp;

SPO Khushboo Jan was shot by unidentified terrorists at her home in Vehil village following which she was shifted to a hospital for treatment. Later, she succumbed to critical wounds.

17 minutes of carnage: How New Zealand gunman broadcast his killings on Facebook A gunman who killed 49 people at two New Zealand mosques live-streamed the attacks on Facebook for 17 minutes using an app designed for extreme sports enthusiasts, with copies still being shared on social media hours later.

17 minutes of carnage: How New Zealand gunman broadcast his killings on Facebook A gunman who killed 49 people at two New Zealand mosques live-streamed the attacks on Facebook for 17 minutes using an app designed for extreme sports enthusiasts, with copies still being shared on social media hours later. Watch: Controversial Australian senator egged after New Zealand shootings statement An Australian senator, who made controversial comments about the New Zealand mosque shootings yesterday, punched a 17-year-old boy after he was egged at an event in Melbourne on Saturday. Senator Fraser Anning, who has a history of racist comments, was egged at a news conference and proceeded to physically assault the person who egged him. India to US: Afghanistan should have an elected 'political structure' post US withdrawal India recently told the US that an elected political structure should remain in place post-US withdrawal from Afghanistan. The Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, who was in Washington last week, met United State's special envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad during which both discussed the peace process in strife-torn, landlocked South Asian country. Pakistani man dies trying to overpower New Zealand mosque attacker Two Pakistani nationals were killed in the terror attack on two mosques in New Zealand and one of them died while he was attempting to stop the shooter during the attack, according to a media report. Jammu & Kashmir: SPO shot dead by terrorists in Shopian district A woman special police officer (SPO) was shot dead by terrorists in south Kashmir’s Shopian on Saturday afternoon. SPO Khushboo Jan was shot by unidentified terrorists at her home in Vehil village following which she was shifted to a hospital for treatment. Later, she succumbed to critical wounds.

New Zealand's prime minister vowed to toughen the country's gun laws after revealing Saturday that the man <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gunman-was-very-calm-during-the-rampage-survivors-tell-of-new-zealand-mosque-shootings-203612">accused of murdering 49 people</a> in two mosques legally purchased the arsenal of firearms used in the massacre.

Jacinda Ardern said the gunman, 28-year-old Australian Brenton Tarrant, obtained a "Category A" gun licence in November 2017 and began purchasing the five weapons used in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-mosque-shootings-kill-49-in-what-pm-calls-terrorist-attack-203560">Friday's attacks</a> in the southern city of Christchurch the following month.

The firearms included two semi-automatic rifles, two shotguns and a lever-action weapon, she said, speaking to reporters in Wellington before heading to Christchurch.

"The mere fact... that this individual had acquired a gun licence and acquired weapons of that range, then obviously I think people will be seeking change, and I'm committing to that," she said.

"While work is being done as to the chain of events that led to both the holding of this gun licence, and the possession of these weapons, I can tell you one thing right now -- our gun laws will change."&nbsp;

She confirmed that the gunman and two suspected associates who were also arrested had not been on the radar of any intelligence agencies, even though he had published a manifesto online indicating plans for attacks on Muslims.

"They were not on any watchlists either here or in Australia," she said.

"The individual charged with murder had not come to the attention of the intelligence community, nor the police, for extremism," she added.

"I have asked our agencies this morning to work swiftly on assessing whether there was any activity on social media or otherwise, that should have triggered a response. That work is already underway.

"Given global indicators around far-right extremism, our intelligence community has been stepping up their investigations in this area."&nbsp;

Relaxed laws

New Zealand tightened its gun laws to restrict access to semi-automatic rifles in 1992, two years after a mentally ill man shot dead 13 people in the southern town of Aramoana.

But firearms laws are lax compared to neighbouring Australia, which enacted a strict gun control regime in the wake of a similar massacre in 1996, and most other developed nations outside of the United States.

Anyone over 16 can apply for a New Zealand firearms licence, valid for 10 years after completing a safety course and a police background check.

Most guns do not require registration under New Zealand's Arms Act and police do not know "how many legally or illegally owned firearms there are in New Zealand", according to a police statement last year.

In 2014, police estimated there were up to 1.2 million legal firearms in civilian ownership, or around one for every four members of the public -- twice the per capita number of guns in Australia.

Separate "endorsements" are required to own semi-automatic weapons like those used in Friday's attack, as well as pistols and other restricted weapons.&nbsp;

But police and firearms experts have pointed to several loopholes allowing owners to bypass registration of semi-automatics.

Ardern noted the failure of several earlier attempts to reform gun laws and said a ban on semi-automatic weapons would be considered.

A 1997 police review of gun laws called for such a ban, but attempts to update the Arms Act since 1992 have stalled in parliament.

New Zealand's prime minister vowed to toughen the country's gun laws after revealing Saturday that the man accused of murdering 49 people in two mosques legally purchased the arsenal of firearms used in the massacre.

New Zealand's prime minister vowed to toughen the country's gun laws after revealing Saturday that the man accused of murdering 49 people in two mosques legally purchased the arsenal of firearms used in the massacre. Jacinda Ardern said the gunman, 28-year-old Australian Brenton Tarrant, obtained a "Category A" gun licence in November 2017 and began purchasing the five weapons used in Friday's attacks in the southern city of Christchurch the following month. The firearms included two semi-automatic rifles, two shotguns and a lever-action weapon, she said, speaking to reporters in Wellington before heading to Christchurch. "The mere fact... that this individual had acquired a gun licence and acquired weapons of that range, then obviously I think people will be seeking change, and I'm committing to that," she said. "While work is being done as to the chain of events that led to both the holding of this gun licence, and the possession of these weapons, I can tell you one thing right now -- our gun laws will change." She confirmed that the gunman and two suspected associates who were also arrested had not been on the radar of any intelligence agencies, even though he had published a manifesto online indicating plans for attacks on Muslims. "They were not on any watchlists either here or in Australia," she said. "The individual charged with murder had not come to the attention of the intelligence community, nor the police, for extremism," she added. "I have asked our agencies this morning to work swiftly on assessing whether there was any activity on social media or otherwise, that should have triggered a response. That work is already underway. "Given global indicators around far-right extremism, our intelligence community has been stepping up their investigations in this area." Relaxed laws New Zealand tightened its gun laws to restrict access to semi-automatic rifles in 1992, two years after a mentally ill man shot dead 13 people in the southern town of Aramoana. But firearms laws are lax compared to neighbouring Australia, which enacted a strict gun control regime in the wake of a similar massacre in 1996, and most other developed nations outside of the United States. Anyone over 16 can apply for a New Zealand firearms licence, valid for 10 years after completing a safety course and a police background check. Most guns do not require registration under New Zealand's Arms Act and police do not know "how many legally or illegally owned firearms there are in New Zealand", according to a police statement last year. In 2014, police estimated there were up to 1.2 million legal firearms in civilian ownership, or around one for every four members of the public -- twice the per capita number of guns in Australia. Separate "endorsements" are required to own semi-automatic weapons like those used in Friday's attack, as well as pistols and other restricted weapons. But police and firearms experts have pointed to several loopholes allowing owners to bypass registration of semi-automatics. Ardern noted the failure of several earlier attempts to reform gun laws and said a ban on semi-automatic weapons would be considered. A 1997 police review of gun laws called for such a ban, but attempts to update the Arms Act since 1992 have stalled in parliament.

New Zealand PM vows gun reforms after mosque massacre

The main suspect in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gunman-was-very-calm-during-the-rampage-survivors-tell-of-new-zealand-mosque-shootings-203612">mass shootings at two New Zealand mosques</a> was charged with one count of murder on Saturday, a day after the attack that killed 49 people and wounded dozens, prompting the prime minister to vow reform of the country's gun laws.

Brenton Harrison Tarrant, a 28-year old Australian citizen, appeared in a Christchurch District Court and was remanded without a plea until his next scheduled appearance in the South Island city's High Court on April 5.

Handcuffed and wearing a white prison suit, Tarrant did not speak. His court-appointed lawyer made no application for bail or name suppression.

He was likely to face further charges, police said.

The attack, which Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern labelled as terrorism, was the worst ever peacetime mass killing in New Zealand and the country raised its security threat level to the highest.

Footage of the attack on one of the mosques was broadcast live on Facebook, and a "manifesto" was also posted online that denounced immigrants as "invaders".

The video footage showed a man driving to the mosque, entering it and shooting randomly at people inside. Worshippers, possibly dead or wounded, lay on the floor, the video showed. Reuters was unable to confirm the footage's authenticity and police urged people not to view or share it.

Police said two other people were in custody.

Armed police were deployed at several locations in all cities, unusual in a country where levels of gun violence are low.

Ardern said the main suspect was a licensed gun owner who used five weapons during his rampage, including two semi-automatic weapons and two shotguns.

"I can tell you one thing right now, our gun laws will change," Ardern told reporters, saying a ban on semi-automatic weapons would be considered.

None of those arrested had a criminal history or was on any watchlist in New Zealand or Australia.

Sorrow sympathy

There was a heavy police presence at the hospital where families of the more than 40 wounded had gathered. Funerals were planned on Saturday for some of the victims, several of whom were born overseas.

Dozens of people laid flowers at cordons near both mosques in Christchurch, which is still rebuilding after a devastating earthquake in 2011 that killed almost 200 people.

Leaders around the world expressed sorrow and disgust at the attacks, with some deploring the demonisation of Muslims.&nbsp;

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, who condemned the attack as a "horrible massacre", was praised by the accused gunman in a manifesto posted online as "a symbol of renewed white identity and common purpose".

Asked by a reporter in Washington if he thought white nationalism is a rising threat around the world, Trump said, "I don’t really. I think it’s a small group of people that have very, very serious problems. I guess if you look at what happened in New Zealand perhaps that’s a case, I don’t know enough about it yet."

Ardern, who flew to Christchurch on Saturday, said she had spoken to Trump, who had asked how he could help.

"My message was sympathy and love for all Muslim communities," she said she told him.

Political and Islamic leaders across Asia and the Middle East voiced concern over the targeting of Muslims.

"I blame these increasing terror attacks on the current Islamophobia post-9/11," Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan posted on social media. "1.3 billion Muslims have collectively been blamed for any act of terror."

Shooting everyone in the mosque

One man who said he was at the Al Noor mosque told media the gunman burst into the mosque as worshippers were kneeling for prayers.

"He had a big gun...He came and started shooting everyone in the mosque, everywhere," said the man, Ahmad Al-Mahmoud. He said he and others escaped by breaking through a glass door.

Facebook said it had deleted the gunman's accounts "shortly after the livestream commenced" after being alerted by police. Facebook, Twitter and YouTube all said they had taken steps to remove copies of the videos.&nbsp;

Ardern said she had asked authorities to look into whether there was any activity on social media or elsewhere ahead of the attack that should have alerted them.

Forty-one people were killed at the Al Noor mosque, seven at a mosque in the Linwood neighbourhood and one died in hospital, police said.

The visiting Bangladesh cricket team was arriving for prayers at one of the mosques when the shooting started but all members were safe, a team coach told Reuters.&nbsp;

Muslims account for just over 1 per cent of New Zealand's population, a 2013 census showed, most of whom were born overseas.

A website set up for victims had raised more than NZ$1 million ($684,000) in less than a day, and social media was flooded with messages of shock, sympathy and solidarity.

One image shared widely was of a cartoon kiwi, the country's national bird, weeping. Another showed a pair of figures, one in a headscarf, embracing. "This is your home and you should have been safe here" the caption read.

The main suspect in mass shootings at two New Zealand mosques was charged with one count of murder on Saturday, a day after the attack that killed 49 people and wounded dozens, prompting the prime minister to vow reform of the country's gun laws.

The main suspect in mass shootings at two New Zealand mosques was charged with one count of murder on Saturday, a day after the attack that killed 49 people and wounded dozens, prompting the prime minister to vow reform of the country's gun laws. Brenton Harrison Tarrant, a 28-year old Australian citizen, appeared in a Christchurch District Court and was remanded without a plea until his next scheduled appearance in the South Island city's High Court on April 5. Handcuffed and wearing a white prison suit, Tarrant did not speak. His court-appointed lawyer made no application for bail or name suppression. He was likely to face further charges, police said. The attack, which Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern labelled as terrorism, was the worst ever peacetime mass killing in New Zealand and the country raised its security threat level to the highest. Footage of the attack on one of the mosques was broadcast live on Facebook, and a "manifesto" was also posted online that denounced immigrants as "invaders". The video footage showed a man driving to the mosque, entering it and shooting randomly at people inside. Worshippers, possibly dead or wounded, lay on the floor, the video showed. Reuters was unable to confirm the footage's authenticity and police urged people not to view or share it. Police said two other people were in custody. Armed police were deployed at several locations in all cities, unusual in a country where levels of gun violence are low. Ardern said the main suspect was a licensed gun owner who used five weapons during his rampage, including two semi-automatic weapons and two shotguns. "I can tell you one thing right now, our gun laws will change," Ardern told reporters, saying a ban on semi-automatic weapons would be considered. None of those arrested had a criminal history or was on any watchlist in New Zealand or Australia. Sorrow sympathy There was a heavy police presence at the hospital where families of the more than 40 wounded had gathered. Funerals were planned on Saturday for some of the victims, several of whom were born overseas. Dozens of people laid flowers at cordons near both mosques in Christchurch, which is still rebuilding after a devastating earthquake in 2011 that killed almost 200 people. Leaders around the world expressed sorrow and disgust at the attacks, with some deploring the demonisation of Muslims. US President Donald Trump, who condemned the attack as a "horrible massacre", was praised by the accused gunman in a manifesto posted online as "a symbol of renewed white identity and common purpose". Asked by a reporter in Washington if he thought white nationalism is a rising threat around the world, Trump said, "I don’t really. I think it’s a small group of people that have very, very serious problems. I guess if you look at what happened in New Zealand perhaps that’s a case, I don’t know enough about it yet." Ardern, who flew to Christchurch on Saturday, said she had spoken to Trump, who had asked how he could help. "My message was sympathy and love for all Muslim communities," she said she told him. Political and Islamic leaders across Asia and the Middle East voiced concern over the targeting of Muslims. "I blame these increasing terror attacks on the current Islamophobia post-9/11," Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan posted on social media. "1.3 billion Muslims have collectively been blamed for any act of terror." Shooting everyone in the mosque One man who said he was at the Al Noor mosque told media the gunman burst into the mosque as worshippers were kneeling for prayers. "He had a big gun...He came and started shooting everyone in the mosque, everywhere," said the man, Ahmad Al-Mahmoud. He said he and others escaped by breaking through a glass door. Facebook said it had deleted the gunman's accounts "shortly after the livestream commenced" after being alerted by police. Facebook, Twitter and YouTube all said they had taken steps to remove copies of the videos. Ardern said she had asked authorities to look into whether there was any activity on social media or elsewhere ahead of the attack that should have alerted them. Forty-one people were killed at the Al Noor mosque, seven at a mosque in the Linwood neighbourhood and one died in hospital, police said. The visiting Bangladesh cricket team was arriving for prayers at one of the mosques when the shooting started but all members were safe, a team coach told Reuters. Muslims account for just over 1 per cent of New Zealand's population, a 2013 census showed, most of whom were born overseas. A website set up for victims had raised more than NZ$1 million ($684,000) in less than a day, and social media was flooded with messages of shock, sympathy and solidarity. One image shared widely was of a cartoon kiwi, the country's national bird, weeping. Another showed a pair of figures, one in a headscarf, embracing. "This is your home and you should have been safe here" the caption read.

New Zealand mass shooting suspect charged with murder, remanded until April 5

From 1943 to 2019, a look at New Zealand's mass shooting incidents

New Zealand mass shooting: NZ police detain four suspects after mosque shootings

All Blacks star&nbsp;Sonny&nbsp;Bill&nbsp;Williams paid tribute to the&nbsp;victims of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-mosque-shooting-4-people-in-custody-police-recover-ieds-strapped-to-vehicles-203447">Christchurch shooting</a>, sharing an emotional video.&nbsp;

Williams took to Twitter to offer condolences to those who lost their lives in the&nbsp;shootings.&nbsp;

Tearful rugby star&nbsp;hoped the victims of the Christchurch mosque massacre were in "paradise".&nbsp;

The devout Muslim, wearing a skull cap, wiped away tears several times in the brief footage which he filmed sitting in a car.&nbsp;

Watch the video:&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
My heart is hurting about the news coming out of Christchurch. Sending love &amp; prayers to the effected families❤️😢 <a href="https://t.co/7PX9wc56b8">pic.twitter.com/7PX9wc56b8</a>
— Sonny Bill Williams (@SonnyBWilliams) <a href="https://twitter.com/SonnyBWilliams/status/1106401139828785152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Police reported multiple deaths in attacks on two crowded mosques during Friday prayers in Christchurch, where&nbsp;Williams&nbsp;played for the Crusaders earlier in his career.&nbsp;

"Just heard the news. I couldn't put it into words how I'm feeling right now," the World Cup-winning All Blacks centre said in the video posted on Twitter.

"Inshallah (God willing) everyone who's been killed today... you guys are all in paradise," he added.

"Just deeply, deeply saddened that this would happen in New Zealand."&nbsp;

The third cricket Test between New Zealand and Bangladesh has been cancelled in the wake of a shooting.&nbsp;

The visiting team narrowly avoided the shooting after arriving at the mosque for prayers.&nbsp;

New Zealand Cricket said they had decided to cancel the Test, which was scheduled to start at Hagley Oval on Saturday, after discussions with the Bangladesh Cricket Board.&nbsp;

All Blacks star Sonny Bill Williams paid tribute to the victims of the Christchurch shooting, sharing an emotional video. Williams took to Twitter to offer condolences to those who lost their lives in the shootings.

All Blacks star Sonny Bill Williams paid tribute to the victims of the Christchurch shooting, sharing an emotional video. Williams took to Twitter to offer condolences to those who lost their lives in the shootings. Tearful rugby star hoped the victims of the Christchurch mosque massacre were in "paradise". The devout Muslim, wearing a skull cap, wiped away tears several times in the brief footage which he filmed sitting in a car. Watch the video: My heart is hurting about the news coming out of Christchurch. Sending love & prayers to the effected families❤️😢 pic.twitter.com/7PX9wc56b8 — Sonny Bill Williams (@SonnyBWilliams) March 15, 2019 × Police reported multiple deaths in attacks on two crowded mosques during Friday prayers in Christchurch, where Williams played for the Crusaders earlier in his career. "Just heard the news. I couldn't put it into words how I'm feeling right now," the World Cup-winning All Blacks centre said in the video posted on Twitter. "Inshallah (God willing) everyone who's been killed today... you guys are all in paradise," he added. "Just deeply, deeply saddened that this would happen in New Zealand." The third cricket Test between New Zealand and Bangladesh has been cancelled in the wake of a shooting. The visiting team narrowly avoided the shooting after arriving at the mosque for prayers. New Zealand Cricket said they had decided to cancel the Test, which was scheduled to start at Hagley Oval on Saturday, after discussions with the Bangladesh Cricket Board.

Christchurch shooting: Rugby player Sonny Bill Williams pays tearful tribute to victims

A solemn New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Friday the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-mosque-attack-shootings-took-place-at-two-locations-says-police-203422">deadly mosque shootings in Christchurch</a> had plunged the country into one of its "darkest days".

"Clearly, what has happened here is an extraordinary and unprecedented act of violence," Ardern said in an address to a shocked nation.

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/christchurch-mosque-attack-bangladesh-cricket-team-was-about-to-go-inside-safe-but-mentally-shocked-203418">gunman opened fire </a>inside the Masjid al Noor mosque during afternoon prayers, causing multiple fatalities.

"Many of those who will have been directly affected by this shooting may be migrants to New Zealand, they may even be refugees here," Ardern said.&nbsp;

"They have chosen to make New Zealand their home, and it is their home. They are us. The person who has perpetuated this violence against us is not."

"They should have been in a safe environment," she said.&nbsp;

One person is in custody, but police said it was not yet clear if there were other people involved.

"There is no place in New Zealand for such acts of extreme and unprecedented violence," Ardern added.

"For now, my thoughts, and I'm sure the thoughts of all New Zealanders, are with those who have been affected, and also with their families."

Her comments were echoed by the leader of the opposition Simon Bridges.

"We stand with and support the New Zealand Islamic community," he said.

"No one in this country should live in fear, no matter their race or religion, their politics or their beliefs."

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison was among the foreign leaders who expressed their concern.

"I'm horrified by the reports I'm following of the serious shooting in Christchurch, New Zealand," he said.

"The situation is still unfolding but our thoughts and prayers are with our Kiwi cousins."

A solemn New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Friday the deadly mosque shootings in Christchurch had plunged the country into one of its "darkest days".

A solemn New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Friday the deadly mosque shootings in Christchurch had plunged the country into one of its "darkest days". "Clearly, what has happened here is an extraordinary and unprecedented act of violence," Ardern said in an address to a shocked nation. A gunman opened fire inside the Masjid al Noor mosque during afternoon prayers, causing multiple fatalities. "Many of those who will have been directly affected by this shooting may be migrants to New Zealand, they may even be refugees here," Ardern said. "They have chosen to make New Zealand their home, and it is their home. They are us. The person who has perpetuated this violence against us is not." "They should have been in a safe environment," she said. One person is in custody, but police said it was not yet clear if there were other people involved. "There is no place in New Zealand for such acts of extreme and unprecedented violence," Ardern added. "For now, my thoughts, and I'm sure the thoughts of all New Zealanders, are with those who have been affected, and also with their families." Her comments were echoed by the leader of the opposition Simon Bridges. "We stand with and support the New Zealand Islamic community," he said. "No one in this country should live in fear, no matter their race or religion, their politics or their beliefs." Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison was among the foreign leaders who expressed their concern. "I'm horrified by the reports I'm following of the serious shooting in Christchurch, New Zealand," he said. "The situation is still unfolding but our thoughts and prayers are with our Kiwi cousins."

New Zealand enduring one of its 'darkest days', says PM Jacinda Ardern after mosque shooting

New Zealand police said a gunman targeted a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/christchurch-mosque-attack-bangladesh-cricket-team-was-about-to-go-inside-safe-but-mentally-shocked-203418">mosque in Christchurch</a> as Friday prayers were underway even as they found IEDs inside the area.

The police informed that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-mosque-attack-shootings-took-place-at-two-locations-says-police-203422">four people have been </a>taken into custody. Authorities fear multiple deaths in the attack. The police still haven't confirmed the number of people killed in the shooting although it is feared that several have lost their lives inside the mosque.

"Four are in custody. Three are men and one is a woman," New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush told reporters in Wellington.

"There were a few reports of IEDs strapped to vehicles which we were able to secure," he said, referring to improvised explosive devices.&nbsp;

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said it was an "extraordinary and unprecedented act of violence" and that those "directly affected by this shooting may be migrants to New Zealand, they may even be refugees".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Police can now confirm the lock down of schools throughout Christchurch has been lifted. We would like to reassure members of the public that there is a large Police presence in the city and the safety of the community is our priority.
— New Zealand Police (@nzpolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/nzpolice/status/1106419221431377920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"They have chosen to make New Zealand their home, and it is their home. They are us. The person who has perpetuated this violence against us is not."

Witnesses told the media that a man dressed in a military-style, camouflage outfit, and carrying an automatic rifle started shooting people in the Al Noor mosque.

"They should have been in a safe environment," PM Jacinda Ardern said as she sought to console a shocked nation.

Meanwhile, New Zealand cricket board in a tweet said it had cancelled the third Test with Bangladesh to be played at Christchurch's Hagley Oval due to the shooting incident in the city.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of those affected by the shocking situation in Christchurch. A joint decision between NZC and the <a href="https://twitter.com/BCBtigers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCBtigers</a> has been made to cancel the Hagley Oval Test. Again both teams and support staff groups are safe.
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) <a href="https://twitter.com/BLACKCAPS/status/1106404919412559872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"We are shocked and appalled, as I'm sure all New Zealanders are," NZ Cricket chief executive David White said.

The Bangladesh cricket team was nearly involved in the incident after they took a bus to the mosque at the city's Masjid al Noor for Friday prayers as a shooting unfolded and were warned not to go inside.

"They are safe. But they are mentally shocked. We have asked the team to stay confined in the hotel," Bangladesh Cricket Board spokesman Jalal Yunus said.

New Zealand police said a gunman targeted a mosque in Christchurch as Friday prayers were underway even as they found IEDs inside the area. The police informed that four people have been taken into custody.

New Zealand police said a gunman targeted a mosque in Christchurch as Friday prayers were underway even as they found IEDs inside the area. The police informed that four people have been taken into custody. Authorities fear multiple deaths in the attack. The police still haven't confirmed the number of people killed in the shooting although it is feared that several have lost their lives inside the mosque. "Four are in custody. Three are men and one is a woman," New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush told reporters in Wellington. "There were a few reports of IEDs strapped to vehicles which we were able to secure," he said, referring to improvised explosive devices. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said it was an "extraordinary and unprecedented act of violence" and that those "directly affected by this shooting may be migrants to New Zealand, they may even be refugees". Police can now confirm the lock down of schools throughout Christchurch has been lifted. We would like to reassure members of the public that there is a large Police presence in the city and the safety of the community is our priority. — New Zealand Police (@nzpolice) March 15, 2019 × "They have chosen to make New Zealand their home, and it is their home. They are us. The person who has perpetuated this violence against us is not." Witnesses told the media that a man dressed in a military-style, camouflage outfit, and carrying an automatic rifle started shooting people in the Al Noor mosque. "They should have been in a safe environment," PM Jacinda Ardern said as she sought to console a shocked nation. Meanwhile, New Zealand cricket board in a tweet said it had cancelled the third Test with Bangladesh to be played at Christchurch's Hagley Oval due to the shooting incident in the city. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of those affected by the shocking situation in Christchurch. A joint decision between NZC and the @BCBtigers has been made to cancel the Hagley Oval Test. Again both teams and support staff groups are safe. — BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 15, 2019 × "We are shocked and appalled, as I'm sure all New Zealanders are," NZ Cricket chief executive David White said. The Bangladesh cricket team was nearly involved in the incident after they took a bus to the mosque at the city's Masjid al Noor for Friday prayers as a shooting unfolded and were warned not to go inside. "They are safe. But they are mentally shocked. We have asked the team to stay confined in the hotel," Bangladesh Cricket Board spokesman Jalal Yunus said.

New Zealand mosque shooting: 4 people in custody, police recover IEDs strapped to vehicles

Survivors of the Christchurch mosque shootings have recalled how elderly worshippers and children were mercilessly gunned down as a heavily armed attacker methodically targeted Muslims Friday in New Zealand's worst massacre.

At least 49 people died and another 48 were injured in the assault on two mosques in the South Island city, which Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said marked "one of New Zealand's darkest days."

Anwar Alsaleh was preparing for Friday prayers on the Muslim holy day at the Masjid al Noor mosque in central Christchurch -- where 41 victims were killed -- when a gunman walked in.

Anwar hid in a bathroom and tried to call emergency services as shots rang out, telling stuff.co.nz he heard the gunman say an expletive about Muslims and "We're going to kill you today."

He said he heard people begging for their lives. "They shot them until they died," he said.

At least another seven people died at the Linwood Avenue mosque, about five kilometres away, where Syed Mazharuddin said a man wearing body armour and a helmet opened fire.

"Just around the entrance door there were elderly people sitting there praying and he just started shooting at them," he told the New Zealand Herald.

"There was a lady screaming and he shot her point blank in the face."

The attacker live-streamed the attack, with footage showing him firing repeatedly at worshippers as he moves from room to room.

Witnesses at the Masjid al Noor mosque said the shooter was a white male with magazines of ammunition strapped to his legs.

One told Radio New Zealand the gunman was "very calm" during the rampage.

Mirwaiz, an Afghan refugee who did not want to provide his surname, said he came close to death when a bullet grazed his head.

"He started shooting at our side of the room and I lay down on the floor as a bullet grazed my head. A&nbsp;couple of centimetres&nbsp;lower and I would be dead," he told stuff.co.nz, saying he fled from the mosque while the gunman's attention was elsewhere.

Others told of scrambling through broken windows and playing dead among the carnage in a bid to survive.&nbsp;

Carl Pomare was driving past the Masjid al Noor with an employee when he saw people running from the mosque and falling to the ground.

They pulled over and tried to help the injured, including a five-year-old girl. 
"We managed to get her into the car of one of the people who was helping and got her to the hospital, she was critical," he told RNZ.

"The guy that my worker was nursing, he passed away in his arms sadly. It was surreal."

There were tales of heroism at the Linwood mosque too, where Syed Mazharuddin said a man wrestled a weapon off the attacker, who cut short his killing spree and ran to a waiting car.

"The young guy who usually takes care of the mosque ... he saw an opportunity and pounced on him (the gunman) and grabbed his gun," Mazharuddin said.

"This guy, the hero, tried to chase but he couldn't find the trigger in the gun... he ran behind him but there were people waiting for (the shooter) in the car and he fled." 
&nbsp;

Survivors of the Christchurch mosque shootings have recalled how elderly worshippers and children were mercilessly gunned down as a heavily armed attacker methodically targeted Muslims Friday in New Zealand's worst massacre.

Survivors of the Christchurch mosque shootings have recalled how elderly worshippers and children were mercilessly gunned down as a heavily armed attacker methodically targeted Muslims Friday in New Zealand's worst massacre. At least 49 people died and another 48 were injured in the assault on two mosques in the South Island city, which Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said marked "one of New Zealand's darkest days." Anwar Alsaleh was preparing for Friday prayers on the Muslim holy day at the Masjid al Noor mosque in central Christchurch -- where 41 victims were killed -- when a gunman walked in. Anwar hid in a bathroom and tried to call emergency services as shots rang out, telling stuff.co.nz he heard the gunman say an expletive about Muslims and "We're going to kill you today." He said he heard people begging for their lives. "They shot them until they died," he said. At least another seven people died at the Linwood Avenue mosque, about five kilometres away, where Syed Mazharuddin said a man wearing body armour and a helmet opened fire. "Just around the entrance door there were elderly people sitting there praying and he just started shooting at them," he told the New Zealand Herald. "There was a lady screaming and he shot her point blank in the face." The attacker live-streamed the attack, with footage showing him firing repeatedly at worshippers as he moves from room to room. Witnesses at the Masjid al Noor mosque said the shooter was a white male with magazines of ammunition strapped to his legs. One told Radio New Zealand the gunman was "very calm" during the rampage. Mirwaiz, an Afghan refugee who did not want to provide his surname, said he came close to death when a bullet grazed his head. "He started shooting at our side of the room and I lay down on the floor as a bullet grazed my head. A couple of centimetres lower and I would be dead," he told stuff.co.nz, saying he fled from the mosque while the gunman's attention was elsewhere. Others told of scrambling through broken windows and playing dead among the carnage in a bid to survive. Carl Pomare was driving past the Masjid al Noor with an employee when he saw people running from the mosque and falling to the ground. They pulled over and tried to help the injured, including a five-year-old girl. "We managed to get her into the car of one of the people who was helping and got her to the hospital, she was critical," he told RNZ. "The guy that my worker was nursing, he passed away in his arms sadly. It was surreal." There were tales of heroism at the Linwood mosque too, where Syed Mazharuddin said a man wrestled a weapon off the attacker, who cut short his killing spree and ran to a waiting car. "The young guy who usually takes care of the mosque ... he saw an opportunity and pounced on him (the gunman) and grabbed his gun," Mazharuddin said. "This guy, the hero, tried to chase but he couldn't find the trigger in the gun... he ran behind him but there were people waiting for (the shooter) in the car and he fled."

Gunman was 'very calm' during the rampage: Survivors recall New Zealand mosque shootings

Bangladesh's<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/multiple-injured-after-mass-shooting-in-new-zealands-mosque-203408"> cricket team escaped unscathed</a> after a deadly shooting at a mosque in New Zealand, an official told AFP on Friday.

Bangladesh Cricket Board spokesman Jalal Yunus said most of the team were bussed to the mosque in Christchurch and were about to go inside when the incident happened.

"They are safe. But they are mentally shocked. We have asked the team to stay confined in the hotel," he told AFP.

Opening batsman Tamim Iqbal wrote on Twitter: "Entire team got saved from active shooters!!! Frightening experience and please keep us in your prayers."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Entire team got saved from active shooters!!! Frightening experience and please keep us in your prayers <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/christchurchMosqueAttack?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#christchurchMosqueAttack</a>
— Tamim Iqbal Khan (@TamimOfficial28) <a href="https://twitter.com/TamimOfficial28/status/1106374964779708416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Local media said multiple people were killed in the incident.

"Alhamdulillah Allah save us today while shooting in Christchurch in the mosque," tweeted another player, s.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Alhamdulillah Allah save us today while shooting in Christchurch in the mosque...we r extremely lucky...never want to see this things happen again....pray for us
— Mushfiqur Rahim (@mushfiqur15) <a href="https://twitter.com/mushfiqur15/status/1106380873551626241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"We r extremely lucky...never want to see this things happen again....pray for us."

Shrinivas Chandrasekaran, the team's high performance analyst, posted: "Just escaped active shooters!!! Heartbeats pumping badly and panic everywhere!!"

Mazhar Uddin, a reporter for Bangladesh's Daily Star who is travelling with the team, said they were told a shooting was going on when they arrived at Christchurch's Masjid Al Noor.

"The distraught Bangladesh players got inside a bus and laid down on the floor after the warning," he reported.

Bangladesh's cricket team escaped unscathed after a deadly shooting at a mosque in New Zealand, an official told AFP on Friday. Bangladesh Cricket Board spokesman Jalal Yunus said most of the team were bussed to the mosque in Christchurch and were about to go inside when the incident happened.

Bangladesh's cricket team escaped unscathed after a deadly shooting at a mosque in New Zealand, an official told AFP on Friday. Bangladesh Cricket Board spokesman Jalal Yunus said most of the team were bussed to the mosque in Christchurch and were about to go inside when the incident happened. "They are safe. But they are mentally shocked. We have asked the team to stay confined in the hotel," he told AFP. Opening batsman Tamim Iqbal wrote on Twitter: "Entire team got saved from active shooters!!! Frightening experience and please keep us in your prayers." Entire team got saved from active shooters!!! Frightening experience and please keep us in your prayers #christchurchMosqueAttack — Tamim Iqbal Khan (@TamimOfficial28) March 15, 2019 × Local media said multiple people were killed in the incident. "Alhamdulillah Allah save us today while shooting in Christchurch in the mosque," tweeted another player, s. Alhamdulillah Allah save us today while shooting in Christchurch in the mosque...we r extremely lucky...never want to see this things happen again....pray for us — Mushfiqur Rahim (@mushfiqur15) March 15, 2019 × "We r extremely lucky...never want to see this things happen again....pray for us." Shrinivas Chandrasekaran, the team's high performance analyst, posted: "Just escaped active shooters!!! Heartbeats pumping badly and panic everywhere!!" Mazhar Uddin, a reporter for Bangladesh's Daily Star who is travelling with the team, said they were told a shooting was going on when they arrived at Christchurch's Masjid Al Noor. "The distraught Bangladesh players got inside a bus and laid down on the floor after the warning," he reported.

Christchurch mosque attack: Bangladesh cricket team was about to go inside; 'safe but mentally shocked'

The third cricket Test between New Zealand and Bangladesh has been cancelled in the wake of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/multiple-injured-after-mass-shooting-in-new-zealands-mosque-203408">shooting at a mosque in Christchurch</a> on Friday. The visiting team narrowly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-mosque-attack-shootings-took-place-at-two-locations-says-police-203422">avoided the shooting</a> after arriving at the mosque for prayers.

New Zealand Cricket said they had decided to cancel the Test, which was scheduled to start at Hagley Oval on Saturday, after discussions with the Bangladesh Cricket Board.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Our thoughts are with everyone in Christchurch. We can confirm that both teams and support staff groups are safe and accounted for. We will be working with authorities on the next steps regarding tomorrow’s scheduled Test. <a href="https://twitter.com/BCBtigers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCBtigers</a>
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) <a href="https://twitter.com/BLACKCAPS/status/1106393890372804608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of those affected by the shocking situation in Christchurch. A joint decision between NZC and the <a href="https://twitter.com/BCBtigers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCBtigers</a> has been made to cancel the Hagley Oval Test. Again both teams and support staff groups are safe.
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) <a href="https://twitter.com/BLACKCAPS/status/1106404919412559872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Bangladesh Cricket Board spokesman Jalal Yunus said most of the team were bussed to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-enduring-one-of-its-darkest-days-pm-jacinda-ardern-after-mosque-shooting-203429">mosque in Christchurch</a> and were about to go inside when the incident happened.

"They are safe. But they are mentally shocked. We have asked the team to stay confined in the hotel," he told AFP.

Opening batsman Tamim Iqbal wrote on Twitter: "Entire team got saved from active shooters!!! Frightening experience and please keep us in your prayers."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Entire team got saved from active shooters!!! Frightening experience and please keep us in your prayers <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/christchurchMosqueAttack?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#christchurchMosqueAttack</a>
— Tamim Iqbal Khan (@TamimOfficial28) <a href="https://twitter.com/TamimOfficial28/status/1106374964779708416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Mazhar Uddin, a reporter for Bangladesh's Daily Star who is travelling with the team, said they were told a shooting was going on when they arrived at Christchurch's Masjid Al Noor.

Local media said multiple people were killed in the incident.

(With inputs from Reuters, AFP)

The third cricket Test between New Zealand and Bangladesh has been cancelled in the wake of a shooting at a mosque in Christchurch on Friday. The visiting team narrowly avoided the shooting after arriving at the mosque for prayers.

The third cricket Test between New Zealand and Bangladesh has been cancelled in the wake of a shooting at a mosque in Christchurch on Friday. The visiting team narrowly avoided the shooting after arriving at the mosque for prayers. New Zealand Cricket said they had decided to cancel the Test, which was scheduled to start at Hagley Oval on Saturday, after discussions with the Bangladesh Cricket Board. Our thoughts are with everyone in Christchurch. We can confirm that both teams and support staff groups are safe and accounted for. We will be working with authorities on the next steps regarding tomorrow’s scheduled Test. @BCBtigers — BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 15, 2019 × Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of those affected by the shocking situation in Christchurch. A joint decision between NZC and the @BCBtigers has been made to cancel the Hagley Oval Test. Again both teams and support staff groups are safe. — BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 15, 2019 × Bangladesh Cricket Board spokesman Jalal Yunus said most of the team were bussed to the mosque in Christchurch and were about to go inside when the incident happened. "They are safe. But they are mentally shocked. We have asked the team to stay confined in the hotel," he told AFP. Opening batsman Tamim Iqbal wrote on Twitter: "Entire team got saved from active shooters!!! Frightening experience and please keep us in your prayers." Entire team got saved from active shooters!!! Frightening experience and please keep us in your prayers #christchurchMosqueAttack — Tamim Iqbal Khan (@TamimOfficial28) March 15, 2019 × Mazhar Uddin, a reporter for Bangladesh's Daily Star who is travelling with the team, said they were told a shooting was going on when they arrived at Christchurch's Masjid Al Noor. Local media said multiple people were killed in the incident. (With inputs from Reuters, AFP)

Third New Zealand-Bangladesh Test cancelled after shooting at Christchurch mosque

Shooting at Mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand ; witness says "many dead, injured"

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/multiple-injured-after-mass-shooting-in-new-zealands-mosque-203408">New Zealand police hunt 'active shooter' after gunman opens fire at </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/multiple-injured-after-mass-shooting-in-new-zealands-mosque-203408">mosque</a>

New Zealand police were hunting "an active shooter" in the&nbsp;centre of Christchurch city on Friday&nbsp;after a gunman opened fire at a mosque inflicting several casualties.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/christchurch-mosque-attack-bangladesh-cricket-team-was-about-to-go-inside-safe-but-mentally-shocked-203418">Christchurch mosque attack: Bangladesh cricket team was about to go inside; 'safe but mentally shocked'</a>

Bangladesh's&nbsp;cricket team escaped unscathed&nbsp;after a deadly shooting at a mosque in New Zealand, an official told AFP on Friday. Bangladesh Cricket Board spokesman Jalal Yunus said most of the team were bussed to the mosque in Christchurch and were about to go inside when the incident happened.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-foot-overbridge-collapse-death-toll-rises-to-six-fir-registered-203405">Mumbai foot overbridge collapse: Death toll rises to six, CM Fadnavis calls for </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-foot-overbridge-collapse-death-toll-rises-to-six-fir-registered-203405">high-level</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-foot-overbridge-collapse-death-toll-rises-to-six-fir-registered-203405"> inquiry</a>

At least six people were killed and over 30 injured after a portion of a&nbsp;(CSMT) railway station in Mumbai&nbsp;collapsed on Thursday evening. A big slab of the bridge came crashing down at around 7.20 pm due to which several pedestrians were injured.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-are-pausing-delivery-but-will-continue-production-of-737-max-boeing-203401">We are pausing </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-are-pausing-delivery-but-will-continue-production-of-737-max-boeing-203401">delivery,</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-are-pausing-delivery-but-will-continue-production-of-737-max-boeing-203401"> but will continue production of 737 Max: Boeing</a>

US aerospace giant Boeing said Thursday it was suspending deliveries of its top-selling 737 MAX as French investigators took delivery of the black boxes from the Ethiopian Airlines crash that killed all 157 passengers and crew.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pompeo-says-all-us-diplomats-have-left-venezuela-203407">All US diplomats have left Venezuela: Pompeo</a>

All&nbsp;US diplomats&nbsp;remaining in Venezuela left the country on Thursday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said, amid a&nbsp;political crisis&nbsp;over the legitimacy of President Nicolas Maduro's 2018 re-election.

New Zealand police hunt 'active shooter' after gunman opens fire at mosque New Zealand police were hunting "an active shooter" in the centre of Christchurch city on Friday after a gunman opened fire at a mosque inflicting several casualties.

New Zealand police hunt 'active shooter' after gunman opens fire at mosque New Zealand police were hunting "an active shooter" in the centre of Christchurch city on Friday after a gunman opened fire at a mosque inflicting several casualties. Christchurch mosque attack: Bangladesh cricket team was about to go inside; 'safe but mentally shocked' Bangladesh's cricket team escaped unscathed after a deadly shooting at a mosque in New Zealand, an official told AFP on Friday. Bangladesh Cricket Board spokesman Jalal Yunus said most of the team were bussed to the mosque in Christchurch and were about to go inside when the incident happened. Mumbai foot overbridge collapse: Death toll rises to six, CM Fadnavis calls for high-level inquiry At least six people were killed and over 30 injured after a portion of a (CSMT) railway station in Mumbai collapsed on Thursday evening. A big slab of the bridge came crashing down at around 7.20 pm due to which several pedestrians were injured. We are pausing delivery, but will continue production of 737 Max: Boeing US aerospace giant Boeing said Thursday it was suspending deliveries of its top-selling 737 MAX as French investigators took delivery of the black boxes from the Ethiopian Airlines crash that killed all 157 passengers and crew. All US diplomats have left Venezuela: Pompeo All US diplomats remaining in Venezuela left the country on Thursday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said, amid a political crisis over the legitimacy of President Nicolas Maduro's 2018 re-election.

New Zealand police were hunting "an active shooter" in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/christchurch-mosque-attack-bangladesh-cricket-team-was-about-to-go-inside-safe-but-mentally-shocked-203418">centre of Christchurch city on Friday </a>after a gunman opened fire at a mosque inflicting several casualties.

"A serious and evolving situation is occurring in Christchurch with an active shooter," New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush said.

"Police are responding with its full capability to manage the situation, but the risk environment remains extremely high."

The Bangladesh cricket team was in the vicinity of the shooting but all members were safe, a team coach told media.

Media reported that a gunman opened fire inside mosque in Christchurch's Hagley Park. There were reports of armed police at a second mosque in the suburb of Linwood.

People in centre of the city should stay indoors, police said. All Christchurch schools and council buildings have been placed into lockdown.

Police did not immediately comment on whether the incident took place in the mosque or nearby. There is no official confirmation on casualties.

Media said shots had been fired near a mosque and a witness told broadcaster One News that he had seen three people lying on the ground, bleeding outside the building.

Radio New Zealand quoted a witness inside the mosque saying he heard shots fired and at least four people were lying on the ground and "there was blood everywhere".

"Horrified to hear of Christchurch mosque shootings. There is never a justification for that sort of hatred," said Amy Adams, a member of parliament from Christchurch.

The Bangladesh cricket team is in Christchurch to play New Zealand in a third cricket test starting on Saturday.

Mario Villavarayen, strength and conditioning coach of the Bangladesh cricket team said the team was close to where the shooting occurred, but was safe.

He said the players were shaken up but fine.

New Zealand police were hunting "an active shooter" in the centre of Christchurch city on Friday after a gunman opened fire at a mosque inflicting several casualties.

New Zealand police were hunting "an active shooter" in the centre of Christchurch city on Friday after a gunman opened fire at a mosque inflicting several casualties. "A serious and evolving situation is occurring in Christchurch with an active shooter," New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush said. "Police are responding with its full capability to manage the situation, but the risk environment remains extremely high." The Bangladesh cricket team was in the vicinity of the shooting but all members were safe, a team coach told media. Media reported that a gunman opened fire inside mosque in Christchurch's Hagley Park. There were reports of armed police at a second mosque in the suburb of Linwood. People in centre of the city should stay indoors, police said. All Christchurch schools and council buildings have been placed into lockdown. Police did not immediately comment on whether the incident took place in the mosque or nearby. There is no official confirmation on casualties. Media said shots had been fired near a mosque and a witness told broadcaster One News that he had seen three people lying on the ground, bleeding outside the building. Radio New Zealand quoted a witness inside the mosque saying he heard shots fired and at least four people were lying on the ground and "there was blood everywhere". "Horrified to hear of Christchurch mosque shootings. There is never a justification for that sort of hatred," said Amy Adams, a member of parliament from Christchurch. The Bangladesh cricket team is in Christchurch to play New Zealand in a third cricket test starting on Saturday. Mario Villavarayen, strength and conditioning coach of the Bangladesh cricket team said the team was close to where the shooting occurred, but was safe. He said the players were shaken up but fine.

New Zealand police hunt 'active shooter' after gunman opens fire at mosque

Social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter said on Friday they are taking measures to take down content involving mass <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-mosque-shootings-kill-49-in-what-pm-calls-terrorist-attack-203560">shootings at two New Zealand mosques</a> that killed at least 49 people and wounded more than 20 others.

A suspected gunman broadcast live footage on Facebook of the attack on one mosque in the city of Christchurch, after publishing a "manifesto" in which he castigated immigrants.

The video footage, posted online live as the attack unfolded, appeared to show him driving to one mosque, entering it and shooting randomly at people inside.

"Police alerted us to a video on Facebook shortly after the live stream commenced and we quickly removed both the shooter’s Facebook and Instagram accounts and the video," Facebook tweeted.

"We're also removing any praise or support for the crime and the shooter or shooters as soon as we’re aware."

Twitter said it had "rigorous processes and a dedicated team in place for managing exigent and emergency situations" such as this.

"We also cooperate with law enforcement to facilitate their investigations as required," it said.

Alphabet Inc's YouTube said: "Please know we are working vigilantly to remove any violent footage."

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

Social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter said on Friday they are taking measures to take down content involving mass shootings at two New Zealand mosques that killed at least 49 people and wounded more than 20 others.

Social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter said on Friday they are taking measures to take down content involving mass shootings at two New Zealand mosques that killed at least 49 people and wounded more than 20 others. A suspected gunman broadcast live footage on Facebook of the attack on one mosque in the city of Christchurch, after publishing a "manifesto" in which he castigated immigrants. The video footage, posted online live as the attack unfolded, appeared to show him driving to one mosque, entering it and shooting randomly at people inside. "Police alerted us to a video on Facebook shortly after the live stream commenced and we quickly removed both the shooter’s Facebook and Instagram accounts and the video," Facebook tweeted. "We're also removing any praise or support for the crime and the shooter or shooters as soon as we’re aware." Twitter said it had "rigorous processes and a dedicated team in place for managing exigent and emergency situations" such as this. "We also cooperate with law enforcement to facilitate their investigations as required," it said. Alphabet Inc's YouTube said: "Please know we are working vigilantly to remove any violent footage." (With inputs from Reuters)

Social media platforms say they are removing New Zealand shooting content

New Zealand mass shooting: Eyewitnesses recount the ordeal

The International Cricket Council (ICC) chief David Richardson offered condolences to the victims and their families of Christchurch mosque shooting.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/49-killed-in-christchurch-mosque-attack-one-person-charged-new-zealand-police-203495">At least 49 people died</a> in attacks on two mosques during Friday prayers in what appeared to be the worst assault on Muslims in a Western country.&nbsp;

"Our thoughts and sincere condolences go out to families and friends of those affected by this horrendous incident in Christchurch," said Richardson.&nbsp;

"Both teams, staff and match officials are safe and ICC fully supports the decision to cancel the Test match," he added.&nbsp;

The third cricket Test between New Zealand and Bangladesh has been cancelled in the wake of a shooting.&nbsp;

The visiting team narrowly avoided the shooting after arriving at the mosque for prayers.&nbsp;

New Zealand Cricket said they had decided to cancel the Test, which was scheduled to start at Hagley Oval on Saturday, after discussions with the Bangladesh Cricket Board.&nbsp;

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arden said the attack was an "unprecedented act of violence" and "one of New Zealand's darkest days".&nbsp;

"This is significant and I can tell you now this is and will be one of New Zealand's darkest days. I would describe it as an unprecedented act of violence, an act that has absolutely no place in New Zealand. This is not who we are," she said.&nbsp;

The International Cricket Council (ICC) chief David Richardson offered condolences to the victims and their families of Christchurch mosque shooting. At least 49 people died in attacks on two mosques during Friday prayers in what appeared to be the worst assault on Muslims in a Western country.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) chief David Richardson offered condolences to the victims and their families of Christchurch mosque shooting. At least 49 people died in attacks on two mosques during Friday prayers in what appeared to be the worst assault on Muslims in a Western country. "Our thoughts and sincere condolences go out to families and friends of those affected by this horrendous incident in Christchurch," said Richardson. "Both teams, staff and match officials are safe and ICC fully supports the decision to cancel the Test match," he added. The third cricket Test between New Zealand and Bangladesh has been cancelled in the wake of a shooting. The visiting team narrowly avoided the shooting after arriving at the mosque for prayers. New Zealand Cricket said they had decided to cancel the Test, which was scheduled to start at Hagley Oval on Saturday, after discussions with the Bangladesh Cricket Board. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arden said the attack was an "unprecedented act of violence" and "one of New Zealand's darkest days". "This is significant and I can tell you now this is and will be one of New Zealand's darkest days. I would describe it as an unprecedented act of violence, an act that has absolutely no place in New Zealand. This is not who we are," she said.

ICC supports decision to cancel Test match between New Zealand and Bangladesh after Christchurch mosque attack

Political and Islamic leaders expressed their disgust at the deadly shooting at two mosques in New Zealand on Friday, with some citing rising "Islamophobia" as being responsible.

As governments in Asia and the Middle East scrambled to find out how many of their citizens had been caught up in the Christchurch bloodshed, there was also anger that the attackers targeted worshippers at Friday prayers.

"I blame these increasing terror attacks on the current Islamophobia post-9/11 (where) 1.3 billion Muslims have collectively been blamed for any act of terror," Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan posted on social media.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said the attack was a deliberate demonizing of Muslim political struggles.

"Not only the perpetrators but also politicians &amp; media that fuel the already escalated Islamophobia and hate in the West, are equally responsible for this heinous attack," he wrote on Twitter.

In a statement, Al-Azhar University, Egypt's 1,000-year-old seat of Sunni Islamic learning, said the attacks had "violated the sanctity of the houses of God".

"We warn the attack is a dangerous indicator of the dire consequences of escalating hate speech, xenophobia, and the spread of Islamophobia."

More had to be done to promote the co-existence of different religions and cultures, the university said.

It was a sentiment echoed by United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Anwar Gargash.

"Our collective work against violence and hate must continue with renewed vigour," he said.

Search for victims

New Zealand police said 49 people were killed. Three men and one woman were in custody and one man had been charged with murder.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said some of the victims may have been new immigrants and refugees.

"They are us. The person who has perpetuated this violence against us is not. They have no place in New Zealand," she said.

A city of about 400,000 people, Christchurch has a small Islamic community, including overseas students.

Indonesia's ambassador to New Zealand, Tantowi Yahya, told six Indonesians had been inside one of the mosques when the attack occurred, with three managing to escape and three unaccounted for.

There are 331 Indonesians in Christchurch, including 134 students, the foreign ministry said.

"Indonesia strongly condemns this shooting act, especially at a place of worship while a Friday prayer was ongoing," Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said in a statement.

Afghanistan's ambassador to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, Wahidullah Waissi, said on Twitter three Afghans had been wounded.

Two Malaysians were also wounded in the attack, its foreign ministry said.

Bangladeshi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam said it was "extremely lucky" the country's cricket team, in Christchurch for a match against New Zealand, did not suffer casualties. The players arrived for Friday prayers as the shooting started.

"I can't even imagine what would have happened if they were there five minutes earlier," he said on social media.

Hundreds of angry protesters in Dhaka, Bangladesh's capital, chanted Allahu akbar (God is Greatest) after Friday prayers.

"We will not let the blood of Muslims go in vain," said one protester.

'Terrorist'&nbsp;attack

Ordinary people expressed their horror about a live, point-of-view video posted online showing a gunman killing any person he came across in a mosque with his semi-automatic assault rifle.

New Zealand police confirmed it had been posted by a shooter involved in the attack.

"Feeling very sick, that person is brainless and a savage," said one Indonesian twitter user who identified himself as Farhan Adhitama.

Others complained that authorities and the media were slow to label the perpetrators as "terrorists".

"This is a terrorist act. Come on now,” Aszafirah Zafyrah posted on Facebook in Singapore.

"Why is it not called terrorism when Muslims are killed," said Mohammad Hanif, a government employee in Dhaka. "You should be fair enough to call it so."

By Friday afternoon, Ardern said the incident was a "terrorist" attack.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Australian national arrested after the attack was an "extremist, right-wing violent terrorist".

Political and Islamic leaders expressed their disgust at the deadly shooting at two mosques in New Zealand on Friday, with some citing rising "Islamophobia" as being responsible.

Political and Islamic leaders expressed their disgust at the deadly shooting at two mosques in New Zealand on Friday, with some citing rising "Islamophobia" as being responsible. As governments in Asia and the Middle East scrambled to find out how many of their citizens had been caught up in the Christchurch bloodshed, there was also anger that the attackers targeted worshippers at Friday prayers. "I blame these increasing terror attacks on the current Islamophobia post-9/11 (where) 1.3 billion Muslims have collectively been blamed for any act of terror," Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan posted on social media. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said the attack was a deliberate demonizing of Muslim political struggles. "Not only the perpetrators but also politicians & media that fuel the already escalated Islamophobia and hate in the West, are equally responsible for this heinous attack," he wrote on Twitter. In a statement, Al-Azhar University, Egypt's 1,000-year-old seat of Sunni Islamic learning, said the attacks had "violated the sanctity of the houses of God". "We warn the attack is a dangerous indicator of the dire consequences of escalating hate speech, xenophobia, and the spread of Islamophobia." More had to be done to promote the co-existence of different religions and cultures, the university said. It was a sentiment echoed by United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Anwar Gargash. "Our collective work against violence and hate must continue with renewed vigour," he said. Search for victims New Zealand police said 49 people were killed. Three men and one woman were in custody and one man had been charged with murder. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said some of the victims may have been new immigrants and refugees. "They are us. The person who has perpetuated this violence against us is not. They have no place in New Zealand," she said. A city of about 400,000 people, Christchurch has a small Islamic community, including overseas students. Indonesia's ambassador to New Zealand, Tantowi Yahya, told six Indonesians had been inside one of the mosques when the attack occurred, with three managing to escape and three unaccounted for. There are 331 Indonesians in Christchurch, including 134 students, the foreign ministry said. "Indonesia strongly condemns this shooting act, especially at a place of worship while a Friday prayer was ongoing," Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said in a statement. Afghanistan's ambassador to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, Wahidullah Waissi, said on Twitter three Afghans had been wounded. Two Malaysians were also wounded in the attack, its foreign ministry said. Bangladeshi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam said it was "extremely lucky" the country's cricket team, in Christchurch for a match against New Zealand, did not suffer casualties. The players arrived for Friday prayers as the shooting started. "I can't even imagine what would have happened if they were there five minutes earlier," he said on social media. Hundreds of angry protesters in Dhaka, Bangladesh's capital, chanted Allahu akbar (God is Greatest) after Friday prayers. "We will not let the blood of Muslims go in vain," said one protester. 'Terrorist' attack Ordinary people expressed their horror about a live, point-of-view video posted online showing a gunman killing any person he came across in a mosque with his semi-automatic assault rifle. New Zealand police confirmed it had been posted by a shooter involved in the attack. "Feeling very sick, that person is brainless and a savage," said one Indonesian twitter user who identified himself as Farhan Adhitama. Others complained that authorities and the media were slow to label the perpetrators as "terrorists". "This is a terrorist act. Come on now,” Aszafirah Zafyrah posted on Facebook in Singapore. "Why is it not called terrorism when Muslims are killed," said Mohammad Hanif, a government employee in Dhaka. "You should be fair enough to call it so." By Friday afternoon, Ardern said the incident was a "terrorist" attack. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Australian national arrested after the attack was an "extremist, right-wing violent terrorist".

Islamic world reacts with disgust at New Zealand mosque attacks

Mosque shootings: High Commission in New Zealand in touch with Indian community

World condemns mass shooting in Christchurch which killed 40 people

new-zealand

New Zealand, News on New Zealand, stories on New Zealand, articles on New Zealand, New Zealand stories at Wion, New Zealand news, New Zealand latest news

new zealand

Pakistan salutes hero of New Zealand mosque shooting, awards national award

New Zealand massacre: Lack of racial empathy a major cause of concern for Asians

New Zealand wants answers from tech giants after mosque attack livestream

New Zealand PM says received gunman's 'manifesto' minutes before attack

Student pilot, takeaway store owner among victims of New Zealand mosque shootings

News brief: Big stories of the day

New Zealand attack: Three families in Gujarat mourn their relatives' death

In New Zealand, a journey around the world and into darkness

News brief: Big stories of the day

Pak Foreign Office confirms deaths of six Pakistanis in New Zealand terror attack

White nationalism not a rising threat: Trump on New Zealand mosque shooter

News brief: Big stories of the day

New Zealand PM vows gun reforms after mosque massacre

New Zealand mass shooting suspect charged with murder, remanded until April 5

From 1943 to 2019, a look at New Zealand's mass shooting incidents

New Zealand mass shooting: NZ police detain four suspects after mosque shootings

Christchurch shooting: Rugby player Sonny Bill Williams pays tearful tribute to victims

New Zealand enduring one of its 'darkest days', says PM Jacinda Ardern after mosque shooting

New Zealand mosque shooting: 4 people in custody, police recover IEDs strapped to vehicles

Gunman was 'very calm' during the rampage: Survivors recall New Zealand mosque shootings

Christchurch mosque attack: Bangladesh cricket team was about to go inside; 'safe but mentally shocked'

Third New Zealand-Bangladesh Test cancelled after shooting at Christchurch mosque

Shooting at Mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand ; witness says "many dead, injured"

News brief: Big stories of the day