Imphal, 18 December 2024: A Starlink dish and router, allegedly belonging to a Meitei group, were seized by security forces in Manipur on December 13, provoking concerns over the potential use of satellite internet for communication and coordination during times of internet blackouts.
The devices were found in Khunou, Imphal East district, and are suspected to be linked to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and its political wing, the Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF), both of which are involved in separatist activities in the region.
Although the discovery is concerning, sources pointed out that Starlink is not operational in India. SpaceX, the company behind Starlink, has not received the necessary regulatory approval to offer its services in the country. Elon Musk addressed the matter on social media, stating, “Starlink doesn’t operate in India… Starlink satellite beams are turned off over India.”
The seizure occurred during a coordinated operation led by the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, and Manipur Police in the districts of Churachandpur, Imphal East, and other surrounding areas.
The operation, which aimed to combat illegal activities in the region, also led to the discovery of a variety of weapons, including rifles, grenades, and mortars. Photos from the operation show the Starlink dish and router, with the markings of the RPF/PLA, and were shared by the Indian Army’s Spear Corps on social media.
While police are continuing their investigation, the specific role of the Starlink devices remains unclear at this stage.
Despite Starlink being unavailable in India, the satellite technology has been utilized in neighboring Myanmar, where an estimated 3,000 connections are in use by both Meitei groups and other communities. PLA members have been active in regions near the Myanmar-India border.
This is the first reported instance of a Starlink device being found in the possession of a Meitei group, sparking questions about how such technology could be accessed and used in areas with regulatory restrictions.
The investigation into the matter is still ongoing.