At least 49 innocent Muslims were killed on Friday as they worshipped after Tarrant opened indiscriminate fire at two mosques in Christchurch in what a shocked New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern termed as a terror attack
WEB DESK
AT THE time several leaders in different parts of the world are spreading hatred, New Zealand Prime Minster Jacinda Ardern has set an example of compassionate and humanity as she condoled the deaths of worshipers in the mosque who died in the terrorist attack, by visiting the Muslim community at the Canterbury Refugee Centre in Christchurch.
Wearing a black scarf over her head, Jacinda paid tribute to the dead and consoled those present at the Refugee Centre. Sarah Ahmed, who had family members who survived the shootings, said she was touched by Adern’s decision to wear the headscarf.
Expressing her concern over the attack, Arden said she is feeling the exact same emotions that every New Zealander is facing.
As reported by FBC news, Ardern revealed that it “was absolutely his intention to continue the attacks” and that police discovered two more guns in his vehicle, which was also fitted with explosives.
It must be noted that New Zealand Prime Minister had apologised before media soon after the attack. Not only that she apologised but also visited the kin of victims. Accepting responsibility and bowing down before the public is a big thing for a public representative.
Ms Ardern was accompanied by a large contingent of politicians from all sides of the political divide, including opposition leader Simon Bridges, Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters and Green Party co-leader James Shaw.
The first stop was with some of the city’s Muslim leaders at a local refugee centre.
Ms Ardern wore a black hijab and warmly embraced the devastated hosts before offering words she said she spoke on behalf of all New Zealanders.
“I have many roles in my role as prime minister, but at the moment I have three incredibly important jobs. One is to bring with me the message of love and support and grief of the people of New Zealand,” she said.
“The second message that I have is to ensure your safety – your freedom to worship safely; your freedom to express your culture and religion.”
Also, she said, she wanted to provide them with the space to grieve while the government took care of concerns that may arise in the coming days and weeks.
“This act of terror was brought to our shores and rained down upon us here. But I take that … role of ensuring your safety incredibly seriously.”
The Muslim New Zealanders were quick to say that this was not the country they knew.
“It is a hard time. It is a very hard time. But yesterday I realised that we are whanau, we are family,” said Habib Ullah, from the Linwood mosque, where seven people lost their lives yesterday.