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The words blackout and curfew frequently used in case of emergencies or conflict are sometimes confused with one another, although they describe distinct forms of constraints with different applications and objectives. It is vital to understand these differences, particularly in the current context of Indian security developments.
Difference Between Blackout and Curfew
| Aspect | Blackout | Curfew |
| Definition | A blackout is a deliberate, often government-mandated, turning off of all or most lights and electrical power in a specific area to avoid detection by enemy forces or for emergency preparedness. | A curfew is a legal order restricting people from being outside their homes during specified hours, often imposed to maintain public order or security. |
| Purpose | Primarily to prevent enemy aircraft or missiles from identifying targets by lights during wartime or emergencies; also used in drills to simulate war conditions. | To control movement of people to prevent unrest, violence, or spread of disease, or maintain law and order. |
| Scope of Restriction | Lights and electrical devices must be turned off; can include shutting down street lights, homes, commercial establishments, and sometimes communication services. | People are required to stay indoors; movement on roads is restricted or banned during curfew hours; businesses and public transport may be closed or limited. |
| Legal Basis | Often imposed under emergency or defense regulations; can be part of civil defense measures. | Imposed under specific legal provisions such as Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in India; violation can lead to legal penalties. |
| Duration | Usually during nighttime or specified hours to avoid detection; can last several hours or overnight. | Can be imposed for a few hours or days, depending on the situation. |
| Impact on Daily Life | Restricts use of electricity and lighting; affects visibility and safety; communication and essential services may be disrupted. | Restricts physical movement; businesses and social activities are halted during curfew hours; essential services may have exemptions. |
| Enforcement | Police and defense authorities monitor compliance with power shutdown and light restrictions. | Police and law enforcement enforce stay-at-home orders; violators might be arrested or fined. |
Blackouts in India: Current Scenario
In the face of rising tensions between India and Pakistan, especially following recent missile and drone strikes on military camps in Rajasthan and Jammu, Indian government has enforced drastic blackout norms in border-sensitive areas. For instance, in Jaisalmer, all shopping centers have to shut down by 5:00 PM, with a total blackout from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM when all the lights have to be turned off, and transport movement is also halted. A no-entry zone of five kilometers around key defense facilities is also imposed with severe penalties for breach.
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The blackout is a part of an overarching policy to safeguard common people and military resources from possible aerial strikes by preventing enemy forces from identifying targets under the cover of darkness. Such blackouts have also been enforced in Punjab districts such as Chandigarh, Jalandhar, and Mohali, and in Jammu and Kashmir, where interceptions of missiles and explosions have generated a sense of panic.
Apart from this, India recently conducted nationwide civil defense mock exercises in the form of blackouts, warning sirens, and evacuation exercises for war emergency times to test citizens as well as governments. These exercises replicate blackout conditions to gauge preparedness and response systems in 244 districts.
Also Checkout: History of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK)
While both blackouts and curfews are steps under emergency as instruments to promote public safety and security, they are fundamentally different:
- Blackouts aim at switching off electricity and lights to avoid detection during war or recreate the same conditions.
- Curfews restrict the mobility of humans to maintain law and order or deal with crises.
- In the current Indian context, blackouts are a defensive measure against outside threats, and curfews can be imposed separately to maintain inner security during crises.
This differentiation assists in explaining government orders and public anticipation during periods of increased security issues or crises.
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