Double jeopardy for families of prisoners in Kashmir: A focus on prison visiting experiences

Abstract

This analysis delves into the challenges faced by women prisoners’ families in Kashmir during the prison visitation process. Drawing on 51 interviews with incarcerated women and their families, this article elucidates the difficulties in establishing and maintaining communication with the prisoners. Despite the pivotal role families play in the visitation process and rehabilitation of prisoners, there is a notable absence of consideration of the challenges from the familial perspective in extant discourse. In the context of Kashmir, the visitation process is intricately complicated, as logistical and political challenges intertwine to add layers of complexity to the procedure. Further, there exists negligible research that considers the perspective of families visiting their loved ones in prison. The article explores the double jeopardy families face due to financial strain, long travel distances, strict prison procedures, lockdowns due to the pandemic and political instability. The analysis illustrates the gendered complexities involved in sustaining connections with women prisoners amid practical and emotional constraints.