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2002 Gujarat riots: Ehsan Jafri’s death a reminder of Sangh Parivar’s ‘disregard for humanity’: Kerala CM

On this date, 20 years ago, Congress MP Ehsan Jafri and 68 others were burnt to death at Gulberg Society during the 2002 Gujarat riots.

ByPTI

Published Feb 28, 2023 | 10:15 PM ⚊UpdatedFeb 28, 2023 | 10:15 PM

Ehsan Jafri with his daughter. (Wikimedia Commons)

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday, 28 February, said that late former Congress MP Ehsan Jafri’s death 20 years ago on this date — during the 2002 Gujarat riots — is a “chilling reminder” of the Sangh Parivar’s “callous disregard” for humanity.

Vijayan took to social media to lash out at the Sangh Parivar and commemorate Jafri’s death, while calling on the society to unite in his widow Zakia Jafri’s fight for justice.

“Former MP Ehsan Jafri’s memory ignites our outrage over the 2002 Gujarat riots, a chilling reminder of the Sangh Parivar’s callous disregard for humanity. Let’s stand with Zakia Jafri in her fight for justice, and demand accountability for these unspeakable crimes,” the Kerala CM tweeted.

Former MP Ehsan Jafri's memory ignites our outrage over the 2002 Gujarat riots, a chilling reminder of the Sangh Parivar's callous disregard for humanity. Let's stand with Zakia Jafri in her fight for justice, and demand accountability for these unspeakable crimes. pic.twitter.com/vrLbvqQ2wZ

— Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) February 28, 2023

He also posted a message on Facebook to unite with Zakia in her fight against the “aggressive communalism” of the Sangh Parivar.

In his FB post, Vijayan said that on 28 February 2002, Sangh Parivar rioters attacked Gulberg Society in Ahmedabad and the residents of the colony sought shelter at Jafri’s home.

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The tragic incident

Jafri contacted the authorities over the phone to save those who rushed to his house fearing for their lives, but the administration refused to budge, the chief minister said. He added that 69 people, including the Congress leader, were burnt to death on that day.

What happened at the Gulberg Society was the epitome of minority killing that took place in Gujarat during the genocide, Vijayan said.

He further said that 20 years have gone by since Jafri’s widow began her legal battle against those involved in the massacre, but she has not received justice till date.

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(Disclaimer: The headline, subheads, and intro of this report along with the photos may have been reworked by South First. The rest of the content is from a syndicated feed, and has been edited for style.)