At least nine persons of Indian nationality or origin have been missing since the Christchurch mosque shootings on Friday that left 49 people dead and injured over 40.

In a tweet, Indian High Commissioner to New Zealand Sanjiv Kohli said: “As per updates received from multiple sources, there are 9 missing persons of indian nationality/origin. Official confirmation still awaited. Huge crime against humanity. Our prayers with their families.”

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As per updates received from multiple sources there are 9 missing persons of indian nationality/ origin. Official confirmation still awaited. Huge crime against humanity. Our prayers with their families

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— sanjiv kohli (@kohli_sanjiv) March 15, 2019

READ | New Zealand terror attack suspect appears in court, charged with murder

“My deep gratitude to members of the community in Christchurch who are working through the night to get updates for us on the victims of today’s dastardly attack. Cant be a better example than this of dedication and solidarity,” Kohli said in a subsequent post on Twitter.

Union Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj has said any Indian caught up in the massacre and requiring any assistance could contact the Indian High Commission in New Zealand.

“We are shocked to hear about the shooting in Christchurch. Any Indians needing assistance should contact us at 021803899 or 021850033,” she tweeted.

Any Indian requiring assistance should contact Indian High Commission in New Zealand on 021803899 or 021850033. @IndiainNZ @WIAWellington @kohli_sanjiv

— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 15, 2019

Australian-born Brenton Tarrant, a right-wing extremist who attacked the two mosques and live streamed the terror act, was produced in court on Saturday and has been charged with one count of murder.

The two mosques attacked were Masjid Al Noor and Linwood Avenue mosque. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has called it a terror attack.

In a letter addressed to Ardern, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his deepest condolences to the families bereaved in the terror attack, and offered prayers for speedy recovery of the injured.

Underscored India’s solidarity with the “friendly people of New Zealand at this difficult time”, the PM stressed “India’s strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and of all those who support such acts of violence”, the MEA said in a statement.