Zakia Jafri's relentless pursuit for accountability reflects the fight for justice for victims of communal violence in India.
Zakia Jafri: Advocate for Justice and Victim of the Gujarat Riots Passes Away at 86
Zakia Jafri: Advocate for Justice and Victim of the Gujarat Riots Passes Away at 86
A tireless campaigner for justice after her husband's murder in the 2002 Gujarat riots, Zakia Jafri's legacy endures.
Zakia Jafri, renowned for her unwavering quest for justice, passed away at the age of 86 on February 2, 2025, at her daughter's residence in Ahmedabad, India. Her son, Tanveer Jafri, confirmed her death. Zakia’s life became synonymous with the struggle for accountability following the brutal murder of her husband, Ehsan Jafri, during the infamous sectarian riots in Gujarat in 2002.
The Gujarat riots, which erupted after a fire claimed nearly 60 lives on a train carrying Hindu pilgrims, led to widespread violence against the Muslim community, resulting in the death of over 1,000 individuals. Ehsan Jafri, who was known for his leadership as a lawyer, union leader, and former MP, was killed while trying to protect his family from a violent mob.
For the next two decades, Zakia meticulously pursued legal action against high-ranking officials, including Narendra Modi, India’s Prime Minister and then-Gujarat leader, accusing him of complicity in the riots. Human rights activist Teesta Setalvad, who deeply admired Zakia's resolve, described her as the embodiment of strength for survivors of the riots, demonstrating resilience amid despair.
Born Zakia Naseem Fidahusain Bandookwala on January 15, 1939, in Madhya Pradesh, she grew up in a family of wealthy farmers. Following her marriage to Ehsan Jafri in 1962, she moved to Ahmedabad, where their life would forever be altered by the tragic events of 2002. Zakia's enduring legacy is her transformed grief into a powerful, decades-long fight for justice that continues to inspire many in India today.
The Gujarat riots, which erupted after a fire claimed nearly 60 lives on a train carrying Hindu pilgrims, led to widespread violence against the Muslim community, resulting in the death of over 1,000 individuals. Ehsan Jafri, who was known for his leadership as a lawyer, union leader, and former MP, was killed while trying to protect his family from a violent mob.
For the next two decades, Zakia meticulously pursued legal action against high-ranking officials, including Narendra Modi, India’s Prime Minister and then-Gujarat leader, accusing him of complicity in the riots. Human rights activist Teesta Setalvad, who deeply admired Zakia's resolve, described her as the embodiment of strength for survivors of the riots, demonstrating resilience amid despair.
Born Zakia Naseem Fidahusain Bandookwala on January 15, 1939, in Madhya Pradesh, she grew up in a family of wealthy farmers. Following her marriage to Ehsan Jafri in 1962, she moved to Ahmedabad, where their life would forever be altered by the tragic events of 2002. Zakia's enduring legacy is her transformed grief into a powerful, decades-long fight for justice that continues to inspire many in India today.
