(MENAFN- Trend News Agency)
The national tricolour at Red Fort, Rashtrapati Bhavan and
Parliament House flew at half-mast on Saturday to observe the
day-long state mourning announced in the country as a mark of
respect for former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe who was assassinated on
Friday, Trend reports citing NDTV .
Abe was shot in Nara city in western Japan on Friday, while he
was delivering a campaign speech.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his shock over the tragic
death of Abe and in a tweet said: 'As a mark of our deepest respect
for former Prime Minister #ShinzoAbe, a one-day national mourning
shall be observed on 9 July 2022.'
PM Modi wrote, 'I am shocked and saddened beyond words at the
tragic demise of one of my dearest friends, Shinzo Abe. He was a
towering global statesman, an outstanding leader, and a remarkable
administrator. He dedicated his life to make Japan and the world a
better place.'
In a blog post titled 'My Friend, Abe San' PM Modi wrote, 'In
the passing away of Abe, Japan and the world have lost a great
visionary. And, I have lost a dear friend.'
He referred to him as 'San' which means 'Dear' and said that he
met Abe in 2007.
'I first met Abe San in 2007 and since then, we have had so many
memorable interactions. I will cherish each of them. Abe San
energised the India-Japan relationship. He ensured that Japan is
there side by side as New India accelerates its growth,' wrote PM
Modi.
After the attack on him, Abe was rushed to hospital and initial
media reports citing authorities said that it appeared that the
former Japanese PM was shot at in the chest. They described his
condition as in 'cardiopulmonary arrest' and said he showed no
vital signs.
Public broadcaster NHK later reported, citing ruling Liberal
Democratic Party sources that Abe, had died. Abe died at 5:03 pm
(local time) and had two gunshot wounds in his neck, according to
officials from Nara Medical University Hospital.
Japanese Police arrested a suspect identified as Tetsuya
Yamagami, a 41-year-old resident of Nara City, according to local
media. A gun that appeared to be handmade was retrieved from the
site where Abe was campaigning for a candidate ahead of Sunday's
elections for Japan's upper house of Parliament.
Abe, Japan's longest-serving prime minister, stepped down in
2020 citing health reasons. He was the prime minister of Japan
twice, from 2006-07 and again from 2012-20. He was succeeded by
Yoshihide Suga and later by Fumio Kishida.
Japanese prime minister Fumio Kishida earlier in his live
address to the country yesterday said 'this is not a forgivable
act,' and that authorities would 'take appropriate measures to
handle the situation.'
PM Kishida further said that the motive behind Abe's shooting is
not known. The media outlet citing government sources also reported
that the shooting suspect is an ex-member of Japan's Self-Defense
Forces.
The Japanese PM also requested everyone not to speculate about
any political ramifications at the time.
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