Indian Crescent Society of India (ICSOA) organized a condolence meeting to pay tribute, sympathy and to express solidarity with the victims of worst terror attack in New Zealand Mosque, on Sunday 17 March 2019 at 11:00 am in front of Parramatta Town Hall, Parramatta NSW.

Despite of bad weather and continuous rain, large number of communities, religious, political leaders, University students and individuals attended the program.

Secretary of ICSOA Mr. Fasihuddin Khan started the program by paying tribute and respect to victims and read a verse which means “We surely belong to God and to HIM we shall return”.

ICSOA President Mr. Abbas Raza Alvi who reiterated that terrorism has no place in a civilized society and should be eradicated from wherever and whatever form it is. He expressed his deep sadness and anguish in a very emotional way at the loss of fifty innocent lives in a worst terror attack in the history of New Zealand. He conveyed his sympathy and solidarity with the victims and their families. He acknowledged the presence of everyone who attended the condolence meeting in such a bad weather and highlighted the Australian nature, its beauty, culture, diversity, inclusiveness and multiculturism through his beautiful poetry where people should live in peace and tranquility.

Julia Finn, Member of Parliament also spoke about her anguish at the loss of innocent lives and paid sympathy with victims and their families. She condemned this act of terrorism and said she is standing with Muslim Community in this hour of hard time.

Deputy Counsel General of India Mr. Verma condemn terrorist attack in which innocent lives were lost, among dead there were seven Indian families. Mr. Verma expressed is sympathy and solidarity with victims and their families.

Religious, community, political leaders and individuals who attended spoke for few minutes. In their speech every individual unequivocally condemn this barbaric and horrific act of terrorism in which fifty innocent lives were lost. Every speaker believed racism, Islamophobia, divisive ideology and any form of hate should be fought at each level. These are the factors if not checked and curbed on time lead to crime and terrorism. They reiterated and appeal for unity to fight against these hate mongers, racists and Islamophobias.

Everyone expressed deep condolences, sympathy and solidarity with victims and their families.

Before conclusion a resolution for the PM of New Zealand was read by Mr. Fasihuddin Khan which was endorsed by all attendees. Meeting concluded with prayer and two minutes silence for victims.