IMPHAL: Security forces confiscated a Starlink satellite internet device during a search operation in Imphal East district of Manipur on December 13.
Armed miscreants reportedly left behind a Starlink satellite antenna and router during security force raids in the Keirao Khunou area of the district. The device was inscribed with markings of RPF/PLA.
The operation also led to the seizure of sniper rifles, assault rifles, single-barrel rifles, automatic weapons, pistols, country-made mortars, hand grenades, and numerous live rounds of ammunition, among other items. This marks the first time a Starlink satellite internet device, manufactured by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has been recovered in the conflict-ridden state.
The recovery of the Starlink satellite antenna and router has raised concerns among security agencies, as the device enables satellite-based high-speed internet, bypassing the Indian communication network.
Meanwhile, earlier this week, security forces seized a large stockpile of arms, ammunition, explosives, and other combat supplies in the Kangpokpi district of Manipur on Sunday. A joint team of the Manipur police and Assam Rifles recovered the weapons during a search operation aimed at locating the hideouts of miscreants.
Acting on intelligence about armed miscreants planning attacks on rival groups, the joint team initiated a search operation in the hill ranges of L Jangnomphai and Freedom villages in the district. As the security forces approached during the operation, the armed miscreants fled the area, abandoning their weapons.
The operation led to the recovery of a 7.62 mm self-loading rifle (SLR), a 9 mm pistol, a single-barrel gun, a double-barreled gun, an improvised mortar, four 36-hand grenades, four Stardyne 90 explosives, and four electric detonators.
