Statement on the passing of Zakia Jafri, widow of MP Ehsan Jafri

Feb. 2, 2025

Statement on the death of Zakia Jafri, widow of MP Ehsan Jafri

2002 was a defining year for the persecution of minorities in India. While communal tensions regularly flared up in the  country, this was the first time that a sitting Chief Minister – Narendra Modi, now the Prime Minister of India – was directly accused of complicity in the violence. His aides were recorded implicating him for allowing three days of brutal carnage against Muslims in the State of Gujarat. An attack on Hindu pilgrims on a train, allegedly by some Muslims was the flare-up point of the tension leading to the carnage which killed almost 2000 Muslims.

Among the 69 killed during this time was Member of Parliament, Ehsan Jafri. Jafri had given shelter to some in his building and was killed after a desperate attempt to get police assistanceThis tragedy is what brought Zakia Jafri, his widow, to fight a long and sustained legal battle, in order to hold the top political leaders at that time accountable for their complicity in the violence. Zakia accused the Modi government of intentionally delaying the deployment of the army after the police failed to contain the killings. Zakia’s legal battle spanned across numerous courts, including the Gujarat HIgh Court and the Supreme Court of India.

Zakia Jafri passed away on February 1, 2025 in Ahmedabad, India. The news of her death prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the country, including , Fr. Cedric Prakash, a Jesuit priest who also attended her funeral,and social activist Teesta Setelvad, who shared a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter):

Zakia Appa a compassionate leader of d human rights community passed away just 30 minutes ago!Her visionary presence will be missed by d nation family friends & world! Tanveernhai, Nishrin, Duraiyaappa, grandkids we are with you! Rest in Power and Peace Zakia appa! #ZakiaJafri (https://x.com/TeestaSetalvad/status/1885584017921036763)

Regardless of the outcomes of her legal battle, Justice For All urges us to reflect upon the circumstances that led Zakia to fight for justice and accountability Justice For All also encourages everyone to remember her in your prayers, and to carry forward her unwavering commitment to justice in our daily lives.Justice is sometimes delayed, but it will come.