IAMC condemns the heinous terrorist attack on worshippers in two Mosques in New Zealand
March 15, 2019
The Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC), an advocacy group dedicated to safeguarding India’s pluralist and tolerant ethos, condemns in the strongest possible terms the heinous attack on two crowded mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. The attacks took place during Friday congregational prayers and left 49 people dead and more than 20 seriously injured on what Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern described as “one of New Zealand’s darkest days”. At least nine people from India or of Indian origin have gone missing after the twin shootings, the Indian envoy in New Zealand has said.
IAMC commends the Prime Minister of New Zealand who categorized the attack as a ‘well planned terrorist attack’. We keep the injured and families of the deceased in this horrific attack in our prayers, and recommit to challenging bigotry and hate in all its forms. The kind of Islamophobia that appears to have driven these killings goes far beyond some radicalized individuals. It is motivated by the unbridled anti-Muslim bigotry and Islamophobia that has become so widespread in our societies. The Trump-supporting white supremacist who launched the massacre revealed that he hoped to spark a ‘civil war in the U.S.’ in his sick manifesto and described the American president as a ‘symbol of renewed white identity and common purpose.’
IAMC has reported an unprecedented spike in Islamophobia and anti-Muslim bigotry and violence around the world. India’s Muslims and other minorities have been facing a scourge terrorist attacks of a larger magnitude by militias belonging to Hindu supremacist groups such as the RSS, Bajrang Dal, VHP, and Hindu Yuva Vahini. The growing influence of Islamophobia and hate-mongering by Hindutva supremacists, zionists, and white nationalists in western countries is a particular cause of concern that authorities should address before it is too late.
IAMC calls for an international action to push back against growing Islamophobia, virulent nationalism, and anti-Muslim bigotry around the world. IAMC also urges mosques in the United States and worldwide to be vigilant and to step up security measures. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHC) has issued security publications online for active shooter preparedness that are applicable to all institutions, regardless of organizational mission. Please check out their online resources and share them with your communities.
REFERENCES:
49 dead in New Zealand mosques shooting, says PM, calls it ‘well planned terrorist attack’
https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/many-dead-in-new-zealand-mosque-shooting-report/story-Vu3reNBXVYXeCEIQeFeSkI.html
New Zealand shooting: Many worshippers killed at Christ church mosques | Al Jazeera English
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ucpm0z293U
Terror attack on New Zealand mosques ‘very well planned’, says Police
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXpJFc5sZt8
The New Zealand shooter’s manifesto shows how white nationalist rhetoric spreads
https://www.vox.com/identities/2019/3/15/18267163/new-zealand-shooting-christchurch-white-nationalism-racism-language
DHS Active Shooter Preparedness Guide for Schools and Houses of Worship Webinar
http://www.dhs.gov/active-shooter-preparedness
CONTACT:
Indian American Muslim Council
Phone/Fax: 1-800-839-7270
Email: info@iamc.com
Facebook: Indian American Muslim Council
Twitter: @IAMCouncil
Address: 6321 W Dempster St. Suite 295, Morton Grove, IL 60053.
