Starlink Denies Claims of Usage in Manipur Amid Internet Shutdowns
Reports have emerged alleging that Starlink devices, owned by Elon Musk, are being used by militant groups in Manipur during periods of internet shutdown. However, both Musk and the company have firmly denied these claims.
Musk took to social media platform X to clarify the situation, stating, "Starlink satellite beams are turned off over India" and that they "never were on in the first place." His comments followed a report from The Guardian, which suggested that armed groups in the troubled state were utilizing Starlink for communication during times of conflict.
Starlink’s Vice-President of Business Operations, Lauren Dreyer, reiterated this position in a post, declaring that Starlink cannot operate in India and expressing hope for future government approvals to provide services in the country.
In a recent operation by security forces in Imphal East district, various internet devices, including one that appeared to be a Starlink satellite internet device, were confiscated. Despite the lack of official approval for Starlink to operate in India due to security concerns, reports indicate it is available in neighboring Myanmar.
The Guardian article included insights from a member of the People’s Liberation Army of Manipur, a separatist militant group, who claimed they accessed the internet via Starlink amidst enforced blackouts. Nevertheless, other armed groups have denied using Starlink for communication.
Elon Musk has remarked numerous times that "Starlink satellite beams are turned off over India," which includes a response to Indian Army posts about a search operation that took place in Manipur amidst ongoing communal tensions.
Additionally, in December, authorities sent a legal notice to Starlink regarding a device discovered among drug smugglers. The Indian Coast Guard had previously confiscated a boat near Andaman and Nicobar Islands which was found to have a Starlink device on board, correlating with a substantial drug seizure.
India’s Ministry of Home Affairs has requested the Department of Telecommunications to investigate the matter further, as questions directed at Starlink went unanswered. Reports suggest that the Indian government reached out to Starlink for details about the ownership of devices linked to drug smuggling, but the company declined, citing data privacy concerns.
The situation continues to be monitored as the government addresses security and regulatory matters surrounding satellite communication in India.
