Indian Army seizes Starlink device in Manipur during joint operation, Elon Musk reacts

The investigation into the recovered devices is still in its early stages, with authorities declining to provide further specifics about the equipment and its use

The investigation into the recovered devices is still in its early stages, with authorities declining to provide further specifics about the equipment and its use
The investigation into the recovered devices is still in its early stages, with authorities declining to provide further specifics about the equipment and its use

Elon Musk’s Starlink equipment found in India

In a significant development, a Starlink dish and router have been seized from aninsurgent group in Manipur, highlighting the growing concern over the use of the internet by insurgents to coordinate attacks and exchange tactical information, even during times of internet blackouts.

The seizure occurred on December 13 during a joint operation by security forces in Imphal East district’s Khunou area. Along with the Starlink devices, the forces also recovered an MA4 assault rifle, grenades, and bullets. The Starlink dish, an advanced satellite internet service, was identified by the police as an “internet satellite antenna and internet satellite router.”

Starlink, the satellite internet service owned by Elon Musk‘s SpaceX, is unavailable in India as the company has yet to receive regulatory clearance. While Starlink is operational in several other countries, Musk confirmed that Starlink does not operate in India, stating that its satellite beams are turned off over the country.

The discovery of Starlink devices in the possession of insurgents is particularly concerning as it suggests the potential for insurgents to use the satellite service to maintain communication even in areas where local internet infrastructure is unavailable. While Starlink services are not licensed in India, and the devices are not operable within the country, the presence of the equipment indicates that insurgents may have access to alternative channels for accessing the service.

The seizure occurred during a series of raids in the border regions of Manipur, including Churachandpur, Chandel, Imphal East, and Kangpokpi. In total, the joint operation led by the Indian Army‘s Spear Corps, Assam Rifles, and Manipur Police resulted in the recovery of 29 weapons, including rifles, snipers, automatic weapons, pistols, mortars, and grenades.

The Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF), the political arm of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), is one of the Meitei insurgent groups involved in the operation. The PLA has long been listed as a banned organization by the Indian government.

While Starlink has no license to operate in Myanmar, where similar insurgent activity is prevalent, some 3,000 Starlink connections are reported to be in use, both by ethnic insurgents and civilians in remote areas, according to the Myanmar Internet Project.

The investigation into the recovered devices is still in its early stages, with authorities declining to provide further specifics about the equipment and its use.

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