Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

My legal battle will continue until I get justice: Zakia Jafri

Last updated on: September 13, 2011 16:31 IST

Zakia Jafri, slain Congress ex-MP Ehsan Jafri's widow, reflects on Monday's Supreme Court decision in the controversial Gulburg society riots case.

The Supreme Court's decision to refer controversial Gulbarg society case to trial court has created wave of joy in Bhartiya Janata Party.

The appeal to the Supreme Court seeking investigation of the role of Chief Minister Narendra Modi and another 63 persons was filed by Zakia Jafri.

Zakia, who lives with his son Tanvir Jafari in Surat's Rander area is feeling tired because of poor health, and with the workload of a long legal battle, but says she is not disappointed, and is firm about her battle for justice.

The Supreme Court has referred your case to a trial court. Chief Minister Narendra Modi says "god is great." What do you say?

The Supreme Court has referred proceedings to a lower court, and options are open to appeal in the SC if we are unhappy about the decision given by the lower court, so there is no question of win or loss.

The wait for justice has been a bit delayed, but I am sure I will get justice as time goes by.

How do you recall that fateful day?

My family tried to contact the police control room and thereafter superior police officers, but no one heard our cries for help. Neither I nor my family can forget the bloodshed that night. We pleaded, but no help was sent.

Will your legal battle be affected by the Supreme Court's decision?

I have been fighting for justice for almost nine years, and it will continue until I get it. Khuda is with us and will surely help us get justice. We will study the decision of the Supreme Court in detail and decide our strategy for the future.

Modi sees the decision as his win, and talks to project him as a national leader have already started making the rounds.

 Look, it's not personal battle against Modi, its battle against the rotten system which does not care for human feelings.

It's really necessary to set an example with such a system; otherwise it will be long-term loss for the entire society.

Pragnesh Bhatt in Surat