Zakia Jafri, the widow of former Congress MP Ehsan Jafri and a prominent figure in the fight for justice following the 2002 Gulbarg Society massacre, died on Saturday in Ahmedabad. She was 86.
She passed away around 11:30 am, following age-related health issues. Her son, Tanveer Jafri, confirmed her death and stated that she is likely to be laid to rest beside her late husband.
Zakia’s life became intrinsically linked to the search for justice after the tragic events of February 28, 2002, when a mob attacked the Gulbarg Society, killing 69 people, including her husband. The attack was part riots that broke out following the Godhra train burning incident, which led to the deaths of 59 ‘karsevaks.’
The massacre at Gulbarg Society remains one of the most horrific episodes of the 2002 post-Godhra riots.
A mob of over 15,000 people descended upon the Muslim-majority area, looting homes, setting them ablaze, and killing at least 69 people, including Ehsan Jafri. Despite Ehsan desperate attempts to seek police help, no assistance arrived, despite the proximity of police stations.
Zakia’s pursuit of justice spanned over a decade, beginning in 2006 when she filed a complaint accusing then-Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and other officials of failing to act during the violence. She challenged the Special Investigation Team’s (SIT) decision to clear Modi and others of any criminal conspiracy, although the Supreme Court upheld the SIT’s findings in 2022, citing insufficient evidence.
In 2016, a special court convicted 24 of the 66 accused in the case, though many others were acquitted, and the conspiracy charge was dropped. This led to anger among the victims’ families, further intensifying Zakia’s resolve. Despite the setbacks, Zakia continued to visit the site of the massacre, paying tribute to those who lost their lives until 2023.
Zakia’s determination to seek justice was shared by her close associates. Activist Teesta Setalvad, who co-petitioned with Zakia in the legal battle, expressed her sorrow on social media, calling Zakia a “compassionate leader of the human rights community.”
“Zakia Appa, a compassionate leader of the human rights community, passed away just 30 minutes ago! Her visionary presence will be missed by the nation, family, friends, and the world! Rest in power and peace, Zakia Appa!” Setalvad wrote.
Zakia’s legal struggles also saw her support for Setalvad and former Gujarat DGP RB Sreekumar, both of whom were arrested in 2022 on charges of fabricating evidence. Zakia had voiced her concern for their welfare in her final years.
Father Cedric Prakash, a Jesuit priest and a close family friend of Jafris, told Vibes of India that she epitomised the woman of India. She fought for justice for her husband who was brutally killed. She was with her relatives in Ahmedabad when she breathed her last.
The remains of Gulbarg Society now stand as a silent memorial to the horrors of that fateful day. Few residents, like Kasam Mansuri, continue to live there, holding on to painful memories of the attack. He said, “There can be a delay, but ultimately truth will prevail.”
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