Paro Anand’s "No Guns at My Son’s Funeral" is a poignant and powerful exploration of the lives of children affected by violence and conflict in Kashmir. The novel begins with the brutal killing of a young boy, Gulzar, by militants, which sets the tone for the ubiquitous atmosphere of fear that permeates the lives of the characters.
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Despite being barely a teenager, Aftab undergoes rigorous physical training and is actively involved in the planning of attacks with the group. Instead of indulging in pranks and attending school like his peers, he becomes consumed with thoughts of violence and extremism. His descent into this dangerous world alienates him from his family and friends, who grow increasingly worried about his well-being.
Aftab's transformation is marked by his growing defiance towards his family's concerns and his burgeoning loyalty towards Akram and Feroze, senior members of the militant group. He justifies his actions as being for the cause of Kashmir's liberation, viewing Akram as his true family and mentor. The story becomes complex when the army learns of Aftab’s involvement with Akram.
As readers, we witness the clashing emotions Aftab experiences — his conflicting feelings of love and hate. He loves his family, his friends, and cricket, yet he also develops a deep-seated hatred towards the military and what he perceives as oppression from 'dilliwalas' (outsiders from Delhi).
His dilemma of whether he should quit when his friends are being threatened is crushed down because of the power his loyalty towards Akram holds over his thoughts, especially when he learns of his sister Shazia being romantically involved with him.
As tensions escalate, Aftab's involvement with the militant group leads to devastating consequences. He ultimately detonates a bomb in a market, resulting in the loss of his own life and that of his friends. The novel showcases how Aftab, manipulated and groomed by the promise of liberation through violence, becomes a tragic casualty of the conflict.
Paro Anand’s storytelling is raw and resolute as she portrays the harsh realities faced by children who grow up in war zones. She depicts the trauma, loss, and resilience of her characters in the purest form, making the narrative extremely compelling.
One of the most striking aspects of her book is the ability to showcase each character with authenticity. Whether it's the rebellious teenager, the grieving mother, or the soldier, each one of them are given their distinct perspectives, which offer the readers insights into the multifaceted aspects of war and the impact of violence on lives.
The novel also explores themes of identity as the characters grapple with their sense of self in a society torn apart by conflict. The author skillfully ties together personal and political narratives, showing how larger historical forces shape the lives of her characters while highlighting their agency.
She shows us how in such situations, some people turn to crime and terrorism, like Aftab did through manipulation, while people like Aftab’s mother abhor violence and long for the days gone by, without the divide of religion.
Aftab, meanwhile, also struggles with his dilemma, especially in regards to his identity. Aftab faces a dilemma between his family, whom he holds dear, and the militants whose cause he supports. The situation intensifies when the very militancy he is dedicated to, threatens his kin.
Akram occupies a crucial role in Aftab's life, seen as a brotherly figure whom Aftab deeply admires. However, his manipulation is evident as he sees Aftab merely as a tool for his ends, willing to sacrifice him if necessary.
One of the strengths of the novel lies in its ability to provoke thought and discussion about complex social and political issues. Kashmir is depicted as a place where religious differences have been exploited to fuel violence and extremism.
Muslims like Aftab are targeted and radicalized by militant groups, lured into believing that violence is justified for the cause of liberation. This manipulation is starkly contrasted with the plight of Kashmiri Pandits, who were forced to flee their homes and become refugees in their own country due to targeted persecution and violence.
The book sheds light on the tragic consequences of religious polarization and political manipulation, emphasizing how these factors perpetuate cycles of conflict and suffering.
Religious identity becomes a contentious issue in the novel, as characters face discrimination and hostility from their peers based solely on their religion. This polarization underscores the deep-seated divisions within Kashmiri society, exacerbated by external influences and historical grievances.
Political propaganda also plays a significant role, influencing perceptions and driving narratives that justify violence and intolerance. Anand explores how young minds like Aftab's are indoctrinated with ideologies that glorify martyrdom and demonize perceived enemies.
The novel concludes with glimpses of hope and resilience that underscore the strength of the human spirit. Despite the devastating loss of their sons, both Aftab's and Angad's mothers refuse to succumb to cycles of violence and revenge. Instead, they reject the paths of hatred and further bloodshed by insisting on non-violence at the funerals of their sons.
This becomes a symbol of their honor to their children's memories, in a compassionate manner. Shazia, who is romantically involved with Akram and carries their child, also vows to protect her child from the influence of violence, despite her earlier dedication to the cause of the militant group. Her decision reflects a desire to nurture a future free from the scars of conflict, emphasizing the importance of breaking generational cycles of hatred and division.
These examples highlight how personal tragedies can lead to the evolution of individuals. A great study of children in places with socio-economic precarity, this book is a brave attempt that should be read, especially by teens and young adults.
Written By Ananya Singh
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