Legacy of Justice: Remembering Zakia Jafri's Fight Against Injustice

The untiring pursuit of justice by Zakia Jafri following the tragic death of her husband during the Gujarat riots in 2002 has made her a symbol of resilience and hope for many.

Zakia Jafri, a prominent advocate for justice following the horrific Gujarat riots, passed away on February 2 at her daughter’s residence in Ahmedabad, India, at the age of 86. Her son, Tanveer Jafri, confirmed her passing, which marks the end of a remarkable journey of nearly two decades fighting for accountability after her husband, Ehsan Jafri, was brutally murdered during the communal violence that engulfed the region in 2002.

The riots, which began after a deadly incident on February 27 involving Hindu pilgrims, led to widespread violence that resulted in the deaths of over 1,000 individuals, most of whom were Muslims. Ehsan Jafri, a respected lawyer and former parliamentarian, was among the victims, hacked to death by an angry mob as he and his family sought refuge in their home.

Zakia’s relentless legal crusade targeted then-Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, currently India’s Prime Minister, accusing him of complicity and inciting the violence. Despite the protracted nature of her battle and the emotional toll it took, Zakia remained steadfast, embodying hope even in despair, as described by fellow human-rights activist Teesta Setalvad, who deemed her the “mother of all survivors” from that dark period.

Born on January 15, 1939, in Rustampur, Madhya Pradesh, Zakia was one of six children in a prominent farming family and later relocated to Ahmedabad after marrying Ehsan Jafri in 1962. Her tenacity not only sought justice for her own loss but also highlighted the broader struggle for accountability and reconciliation in a fractured society. Zakia Jafri remains a poignant figure in the ongoing dialogue about human rights and social justice in India.