Banning bulk SMS to contain North-East exodus is a positive step

18 August, 2012

In wake of SMS-fuelled rumours of attacks on people of the northeast, and consequent the exodus of people from the northeast from many cities, the Centre has imposed a ban on bulk SMS messages.

IT IS really sad that despite the assurance of safety by state and union governments to the people of the Northeast, the beeline to the railway ticket counters continued in various cities though no violent incidents have been reported in the last two days.

According to the union government, only 5 SMS can be sent in one go, and more than 20KB of data through mobile phones during the ban period of 15 days, reported The Times of India.

Both Houses of Parliament showed concern over the exodus of people hailing from the northeast from various cities.

A Rajya Sabha resolution has expressed a serious concern at the feeling of persecution felt by the people northeastern states and their exodus from various cities to return to the North East.

Meanwhile, the Assam government has rushed its ministers to Bangalore and Hyderabad to discuss the exodus of people from northeast states following rumours impeding attacks on them.