Zakia Jafri, who dedicated her life to seeking justice after the murder of her husband, Ehsan Jafri, during the 2002 sectarian riots in Gujarat, India, passed away on February 2 at her daughter’s home in Ahmedabad. She was 86 years old.
Her son, Tanveer Jafri, confirmed her death. The riots, which began on February 27, 2002, resulted in the deaths of over 1,000 individuals, predominantly Muslims. The violence erupted following a fire on a train carrying Hindu pilgrims, which killed nearly 60 people, with the cause of the fire remaining disputed.
In the aftermath, mobs targeted Muslim communities across Gujarat, leading to widespread violence and destruction. Ehsan Jafri, a union leader, lawyer, and former member of Parliament, was among those killed during the riots.
Zakia Jafri engaged in a lengthy legal battle, accusing Narendra Modi, who was then the Chief Minister of Gujarat and is now the Prime Minister of India, of conspiracy and abetting the violence. Human rights activist Teesta Setalvad described Ms. Jafri as a symbol of resilience for the survivors of the riots, noting her enduring hope despite the pain of her loss.
Born on January 15, 1939, in Madhya Pradesh, Zakia Jafri moved to Ahmedabad after marrying Ehsan Jafri in 1962. The couple faced violence in 1969 when their home was burned down during earlier riots, but they chose to remain in the area, with Ehsan Jafri actively participating in politics to uphold India's secular values.
During the 2002 riots, the Gulberg Society, where they lived, became a site of horrific violence, resulting in the deaths of 70 individuals. Ehsan Jafri was killed in their home while attempting to seek help from authorities, making over 200 calls without receiving assistance.
In the years following the riots, Zakia Jafri continued to accuse Modi and senior officials of complicity in the violence. Despite her declining health, she remained committed to attending court proceedings and advocating for justice, expressing frustration over the lack of accountability.
The case against Modi was dismissed by India’s Supreme Court in 2022, which ruled that negligence did not equate to conspiracy. Following the dismissal, Setalvad was arrested, with government lawyers alleging she had used Ms. Jafri as a means to further her own agenda.
Tanveer Jafri noted his mother’s disappointment with the lack of justice and accountability, but he emphasized her hope that future generations would have access to the documentation of their struggle for truth.
Zakia Jafri is survived by her two sons, Tanveer and Zuber; her daughter, Nishrin Hussian; and six grandchildren.