An internet satellite route used in Manipur violence has raised concerns about using Starlink in the conflict-torn state of Manipur.
The matter came to notice during search operations and area domination conducted by security forces in the fringe and vulnerable areas of hill and valley districts on December 13. During the search operations, the following items were recovered:
As per the police statement, One MA4 Assault Rifle, one 12 Bore Single Barrel Gun, One 9 mm Pistol, one .32 Pistol, five hand grenades, five arming rings, two detonators, thirty 5.56 mm ammunition, two 12-bore ammunition, three 9 mm ammunitions, two .32 mm ammunitions, one internet Satellite Antenna, one internet Satellite Router and 20 meters (approx.) of FTP cables from Keirao Khunou, Imphal East District. The police statement has not stated about Starlink but have reported to seize of one internet Satellite Antenna and one internet Satellite Router.
Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by Starlink Services, LLC, an international telecommunications provider that is a wholly owned subsidiary of American aerospace company SpaceX, providing coverage to over 100 countries and territories. It also aims to provide global mobile broadband. Starlink has been instrumental to SpaceX’s growth.
Meanwhile, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has responded on the matter. Taking to social media site X, Musk stated that Starlink beams are turned off all over India. “This is false. Starlink satellite beams are turned off over India,” posted Musk on X.
Meanwhile, search operations continue in the state of Manipur with IEDs recovered. Acting on specific information about the presence of explosives in the area of Maphitel Ridge in the Imphal East district of Manipur, the Indian Army along with Manipur Police launched a search operation and recovered five Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) weighing approximately 21.5 kilograms from multiple locations on December 17. Eva, the Army explosive detection dog and Bomb Disposal Squad played a crucial role in detection and recovery. This critical detection and recovery prevented a major threat. The operation marks the synergy between the forces and is a significant achievement. The Indian Army and law enforcement agencies remains steadfast in their commitment to thwart subversive activities in the state of Manipur.
