Snakes in the meadows by Ayaz Kohli
When we think of Kashmir we think “heaven on earth”. Everyone knows about the famous Kashmiri handloom, cusine and saffron production. When we read about the constant militant attacks in Kashmir we pause for a bit and move on. We never reallythink about the kind of hell our fellow countrymen live in everyday.
Through the story of Aslam and Ashwar the author has done a commendable job of shedding light on the struggles of the people in Jammu and Kashmir .The locals live in constant fear . The politicians play politics and the law enforcement agencies are of hardly any help. Ashwar is forced to take charge of the situation and he encourages the villagers to protect themselves. Through all the hardships, the only thing keeping them alive is hope. Hope of a better future, full of peace and prosperity.
The plot is engaging and fast paced. The characters are well developed and relatable. The language is good and conveys the characters emotions beautifully. I now have a lot more respect for the people of J and K now, because of this book.