IMPHAL: SpaceX founder Elon Musk has clarified that its Starlink satellite internet services are not active in India amid reports of its alleged usage in conflict-ridden Manipur.
The clarification came on the heels of security forces seizing internet equipment, arms, and ammunition during a recent operation in Keirao Khunou village of Imphal East district.
Images of the seized items were posted on X (formerly Twitter) by the Indian Army’s Spear Corps, which ignited rampant speculation online. Among the recovered items was an internet satellite antenna, a router, and around 20 meters of FTP cables. It did not take long for social media users to comment that one of the devices looked like Starlink equipment.
Investigations have been launched into how such advanced satellite technology could have entered Manipur, a region long characterized by protracted ethnic violence. Such equipment raises serious questions that it may be exploited in the ongoing conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, which has already claimed more than 250 lives and displaced thousands since May 2023.
The officials reiterate that Starlink, a satellite internet arm of SpaceX, is not licensed in India, which throws open questions about the origin and procurement of the devices.
With the tensions in Manipur yet to subside, this internet equipment discovery has further complicated the security challenges in the state. Investigating agencies are now trying to find out if the Starlink-like device seized from the possession of the duo could have been used for illegal communications or activities in the conflict zone.
