Starlink connection in Manipur?
Based on intelligence information from Manipur, the Indian Army and Spear Corp’s Assam Rifles conducted a search operation on December 16. During this period, security forces along with Manipur police seized snipers, automatic weapons, rifles and some other weapons along with some internet equipment.
Surprisingly, one of the seized devices had the Starlink logo on it, following suspicions that militants in Manipur were using Elon Musk’s Starlink. However, in response to these accusations, Musk said that the Starlink satellite beam over India has been turned off.
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Starlink equipment discovered in Manipur
Security forces conducted search operations in the hills and valleys of Churachandpur, Chandel, Imphal East and Kagpokpi districts of Manipur. During this period, security forces seized some internet equipment along with arms and ammunition during a raid at Kerao Khunau in Imphal East district.
Take action based on specific intelligence, #IndianArmy and #AssamRifles Under formation #SpearCorps Joint search operations were launched in the hills and valleys of Churachandpur, Chandel, Imphal East and Kagpokpi districts #manippurclosely cooperate with pic.twitter.com/kxy7ec5YAE
— SpearCorps.IndianArmy (@Spearcorps) December 16, 2024
The Indian Army Spear Corps shared photos of the seized items on social media platforms
Elon Musk denies the accusations
One user tagged Elon Musk on the Indian Army post, writing: “Starlink is being used by terrorists in Manipur.” Hopefully Elon Musk will look into this and Help control the misuse of this technology. SpaceX boss Elon Musk, who is active on every question on social media, immediately responded to the post and wrote, “This is wrong, Starlink satellite beams over India have been turned off.”
Elon Musk’s reply to user X’s post
Starlink does not have a license to operate in India
According to the Manipur Police, the items seized from Kerao Khunau included an internet satellite dish, internet satellite router and about 20 meters of FTP cable.
After recovering equipment like Starlink, agencies are also investigating how the equipment reached a conflict-affected state, officials said. What’s unique is that Elon Musk’s satellite internet service provider Starlink does not have a license to operate in India.
Manipur violence has killed more than 250 people so far
Ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Jo ethnic groups in Manipur has killed more than 250 people and left thousands homeless since May last year. The discovery of Starlink internet devices amid ongoing unrest in the state raises many questions.
