Militant groups in Manipur are reportedly using Elon Musk’s Starlink devices to bypass internet shutdowns during ongoing ethnic violence. Militant groups have been using Elon Musk’s satellite-based Starlink devices, currently not licensed in India, during internet and mobile shutdowns in ethnic violence-hit Manipur, The Guardian reported, citing sources within armed groups and the police.
SpaceX founder Elon Musk clarified that Starlink satellite beams are disabled over India, responding to claims that its device was being used in the northeastern state. Last month, security forces raided Keirao Khunou in Imphal East district, and seized internet devices along with arms and ammunition. Among the confiscated items, the Indian Army and the Assam Rifles recovered a Starlink satellite internet device.
While Starlink is not permitted to legally operate in India amid security concerns, it is allowed by Myanmar, which neighbours Manipur. A leader from the Meitei separatist militant group, the People’s Liberation Army of Manipur (PLA), told the publication that they utilised Starlink devices to access the internet in Manipur during times when authorities had imposed internet blackouts amid violent clashes.
The source further explained that the group initially used the Starlink device in Myanmar but later discovered it worked across the border in Manipur as well, the report added. “Our initial information suggests that Starlink indeed works in some areas of Manipur, particularly in some areas that are closer to the Myanmar border,” a senior police officer in Manipur.
there was no confirmation on how many armed groups in the state have access to the satellite internet as four other armed groups – two from the Kuki side and one from the Meitei side – denied that they had been using Starlink to access the internet. The police suspect the smugglers were using the internet device to navigate.
