The Centre’s decision to restrict text messages to five per day for the next fortnight has come as a spoiler for Id revellers. The text message limit was necessary but it came at a wrong time is the common sentiment.

The Union government restricted the text messages to put brakes on rumours that led to the mass exodus of people of the Northeast from some states in the country.

“Text messages are the easiest mode of communication with friends and relatives. Though the government has imposed the ban because there was no other way to stop the exodus, it has come at a wrong time. It is not possible to call everybody individually and greet them on the festival. I will definitely miss out on connecting with many of my friends on Id,” said Irfaan Ghani (25), an engineer.

BPO executive Mohammad Shahid Khan (26), who is in Patna from Gurgaon to celebrate Id with his family, expressed similar sentiments.

“I prefer text messaging more than calling up. I send over 100 messages to my friends every day. I am feeling helpless today because I cannot send more than five messages from my number. It would be more difficult on the Id day because I would not be able to greet all my friends,” Khan said.

MBA student Rakhsanda Tabassum (22), however, sounded pragmatic.

“The government’s decision is a bad news. But we should extend our support to the government in creating a better atmosphere in the nation. The Assam violence had its repercussions and people from the Northeast are feeling insecure. They are fleeing to their home states. The restriction on bulk messages will help the government put a check on troublemongers,” she said.

“For Id greetings, we have alternatives like emails, social networking sites and calling options. The ban will be lifted after 15 days,” she added.

Officials of telecom companies said they were flooded with calls as customers demanded to know why their messages were not being delivered.

“We have received countless calls from perplexed people at our customer care centres wanting to know what’s wrong with the text messaging service. Many are not aware of the Centre’s ruling. Those who do, are demanding that the restriction be lifted,” said Mayank Kumar, deputy general manager, sales and marketing of BSNL Patna area.

As many customers are demanding that their money for messaging services or booster packs be refunded, telecom companies are likely to extend the validity period of such packs once the restriction is over.

“We will decide on this in days to come,” Kumar said.