The shooter walked past me, Keralite recounts New Zealand horror

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Christchurch: As details of Friday's attack on two mosques in Christchurch in New Zealand emerge, it has come to light that a few Indians narrowly escaped as Australia-born 'white supremacist' Brenton Tarrant opened fire on worshippers killing 50, including five Indians. A Keralite woman, Ancy, were among the deceased. A few others from her home state in India narrated their lucky escape. Witnesses said victims were shot at close range in the worst attack on Muslims in New Zealand.
Muvattupuzha native Saman Habibullah, who works in Christchurch, had reached the mosque for Friday prayers along with friend Sabir who is from Kothamangalam in Kerala's Ernakulam district.
Saman’s phone rang as he was entering the mosque. He stopped in front of it for a while talking on the phone. That’s when the killer walked past him. Suddenly shooting broke out. He turned back to see the killer spraying bullets as he moved forward. Saman ran from the scene.
Sabir was inside the mosque premises when shooting started. But he escaped unhurt and found shelter in a house nearby. Some who stood next to Sabir were gunned down. The police collected their statements.
Peace shattered
Shyam Dev, who is originally from Koduman in Kerala's Pathanamthitta district, lives a mile away from Al Noor Mosque in Christchurch which was one of the two places of attack.
"The attack happened at 1.45pm. I went to office at 2.45pm driving next to the mosque. But there was nothing out of the ordinary. I came to know of the attack only after reaching office. The restaurant was closed even it was a busy hour. So was the library," Shyam narrated.

"Parents were knocking on school gates since they were locked down to ensure children’s safety. Messages were sent from schools saying the kids were safe. They were let out only by evening. Offices and roads were closed soon and traffic diverted. The mosque is heavily guarded now. Christchurch used to be peaceful. Let’s hope it does not change," he added.
New Zealanders say: We stand together
Faisal Kiliyanni, a native of Kodur in Kerala's Malappuram district, described how New Zealanders are coping. Standing in front of a mosque in Hamilton, he said, "Condolences poured in to all mosques after the attack. People gathered with flowers, consoling each other. Some families brought food. Do not fear, New Zealand stands with you, they said. Signs of peace and peaceful coexistence were posted in front of mosques. Those who said ‘This is not New Zealand’ soon after the attack, reminded ‘This is New Zealand," Faisal said.
