Her quest for justice began following the murder of her husband during the tragic events that claimed over a thousand lives.
Zakia Jafri, Champion for Justice in Gujarat, Passes Away at 86
Zakia Jafri, Champion for Justice in Gujarat, Passes Away at 86
An enduring symbol of resilience against injustice, Zakia Jafri dies after decades of fighting for the victims of the 2002 Gujarat riots.
Zakia Jafri, an ardent advocate for justice and human rights, passed away on February 2 at her daughter's home in Ahmedabad, India, at the age of 86. Known for her unyielding resolve, she dedicated nearly twenty years to seeking accountability for the brutal murder of her husband, Ehsan Jafri, during the sectarian riots in Gujarat back in 2002. Her son Tanveer Jafri confirmed her death.
The riots erupted on February 27, 2002, after a fire on a train, which killed nearly 60 Hindu pilgrims, ignited violent backlash against the Muslim community, leading to mass killings and widespread destruction across Gujarat. Ehsan Jafri, a prominent union leader, lawyer, and former parliament member, was murdered in their home as the violence escalated. Zakia Jafri's relentless pursuit of justice included accusations against current Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was the state leader at the time, alleging his complicity in the riots.
Throughout her arduous legal battle, Jafri became a poignant figure for survivors of the violence, embodying both sorrow and determination. Teesta Setalvad, a fellow human-rights activist, referred to her as the "mother of all survivors from 2002," highlighting the strength and inspiration she provided to those similarly affected. Zakia was born on January 15, 1939, in Madhya Pradesh, and later moved to Gujarat after marrying Ehsan Jafri in 1962, where she would ultimately face her greatest challenge during one of the darkest chapters in Indian history.
The riots erupted on February 27, 2002, after a fire on a train, which killed nearly 60 Hindu pilgrims, ignited violent backlash against the Muslim community, leading to mass killings and widespread destruction across Gujarat. Ehsan Jafri, a prominent union leader, lawyer, and former parliament member, was murdered in their home as the violence escalated. Zakia Jafri's relentless pursuit of justice included accusations against current Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was the state leader at the time, alleging his complicity in the riots.
Throughout her arduous legal battle, Jafri became a poignant figure for survivors of the violence, embodying both sorrow and determination. Teesta Setalvad, a fellow human-rights activist, referred to her as the "mother of all survivors from 2002," highlighting the strength and inspiration she provided to those similarly affected. Zakia was born on January 15, 1939, in Madhya Pradesh, and later moved to Gujarat after marrying Ehsan Jafri in 1962, where she would ultimately face her greatest challenge during one of the darkest chapters in Indian history.
