JNS: SpaceX founder Elon Musk has dismissed claims that his Starlink satellite communication service is being used by rebels in Manipur. His statement came on Tuesday following reports of security forces seizing two Starlink devices during raids in the Imphal East district. The confiscation of these devices had sparked speculation that satellite internet might be aiding insurgent groups in the region.
Musk clarified that Starlink beams have been turned off in India, reiterating that the service is not operational in the country. His comments address growing rumors about the use of Starlink for illicit activities in Manipur, a state grappling with ongoing ethnic violence.
Starlink is currently in the process of seeking approval from the Indian government to provide satellite broadband services. As part of this process, SpaceX is addressing security concerns raised by authorities. Musk’s statement aimed to quell fears that the technology was being used in conflict zones, especially in light of reports suggesting the devices may have been smuggled into India via the porous Myanmar border, an area beset by civil conflict.
Security experts have previously documented the use of Starlink devices by rebel groups in Myanmar, despite the service not being officially available there. The situation in Manipur is particularly tense, as ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities has been ongoing since May 2023, exacerbating security concerns.
Investigations in Manipur have revealed that many weapons looted from armouries during the conflict are now being used for extortion. Insurgent groups, particularly in the Valley, have been targeting traders and government employees for money. Several recovered weapons have been found to match those that went missing during the unrest.
The violence in Manipur began after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ protesting the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, which triggered prolonged clashes between the tribal Kuki-Zo and non-tribal Meitei communities.
