Dinesh Mohan

This is a book about the Kashmir valley-lacerated, wrathful, aflame. The authors travelled across it in the winter of 2016, during a journey undertaken in a spirit of solidarity with the people of the region. It is a disturbing account of children blinded by pellet guns, of a government in a bitter state of undeclared war with its own civilian populations, of the rage of stone-throwing youth and the hubris of military generals. The book also attempts a concise history of the conflict in the valley and makes a strong plea for humanity, for fairness, and for justice. The authors argue, there should be no denying a just peace to the embattled people of the valley. The concluding words of the book sum it up precisely: 'We are told that a nation cannot be strong if it is ethical or compassionate; that these are despicable signs of weakness; that a strong state is a state that is without morality or mercy. Who will tell them how wrong they are? That it is only the weak who fell those who are weaker, whose hearts are empty of mercy, who celebrate the weeping of children. The truly strong are those who have the courage to be kind and just.'

Throughout the world, injuries are the leading cause of death during more than half of the average life span. This book documents the nature and magnitude of the problem and provides basic approaches to injury prevention. Injury statistics are given for many developing countries and indigenous populations as well as industrialized nations. Important differences among countries and cultures in types and circumstances of injury are illustrated in a tables and figures that enhance the book's usefulness. The many types of injuries covered in detail include those related to traffic, occupation, disasters, drowning, falls, burns, suicide, and homicide. The cost and health impacts of injury are discussed as well as the role of health services. The authors describe surveillance methods and effective preventive measures that are applicable even in countries with limited resources. This book has been written for public health practitioners and researchers as well as policy makers. Reflecting the author's many years of injury prevention experience in a variety of countries, the book will help readers understand this major health problem, the changes that could reduce it, and the means of influencing crucial public policies.