Indian husband saw wife getting shot in New Zealand terror attack

Abdul Nazer was lucky enough to escape the carnage in Christchurch last Friday in New Zealand. But the Indian man is still reeling from the shock of seeing his wife getting hit with bullets when the gunman indiscriminately opened fire at people inside the mosque.

Nazer's wife Ancy Alibava, 25, was among the 50 killed in the mass shooting at two mosques in New Zealand.
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"He was inside the mosque when the shooting happened but he was in a different hall. He heard the gunshots and saw his wife collapsing after getting shot," Ancy's cousin Niyas told Khaleej Times over the phone from Kerala.

Ancy and her husband, both from Kerala's Kodungalloor, lived near the mosque where the attack happened.

"I spoke to my brother-in-law as soon as the news came out about the attack. He could hardly speak, said Niyas."
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Nazer told him it was a bloodbath that he witnessed, and that people were screaming for help and running for cover inside the mosque. "He wanted to save Ancy, but he could not even reach her in the melee."

Nazer works for a supermarket in Christchurch and Ancy was pursuing her post-graduation. The couple migrated to New Zealand from Kerala in January 2018.

Ancy is survived by her mother Raziya and a younger brother, who is pursuing a vocational course. Her father died five years ago.

Niyas, who is currently coordinating with local authorities, said it would take more than a week for Ancy's mortal remains to reach Kerala.

"What I understand is that the bodies have not yet been even identified."
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After identification, the bodies will be sent for postmortem and then for embalming.

"It will take three to four days for the embalming process. I think it will take at least another week before Nazer can fly down with the mortal remains."

According to the family member, Ancy's mother is not yet come to terms with the shocking news. "She is inconsolable and not in a condition to even talk. Everyone is desperately waiting for Nazer to come back," said Niyas.

"I was chatting with Ancy in our family WhatsApp group till Thursday. My marriage is fixed for December this year and she was planning to come down. I still cannot believe that she is no more," said Niyas.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said his government is following up with the embassy through Norka Rooys. "Deeply shocked to learn that a Keralite is among the victims of Christchurch terror attack. Our thoughts are with the affected family," Vijayan said.

Anjana Sankar

anjana@khaleejtimes.com