Security forces in Manipur have seized a Starlink satellite internet dish and router from a Meitei insurgent group, raising concerns about the use of such technology by militants. This incident marks the first known instance of a Starlink device being found in the hands of insurgents in India.
- The seizure highlights the potential for insurgents to utilize satellite internet for communication and coordination, particularly during internet blackouts.
- Starlink, owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, does not have a license to operate in India. Musk himself has stated that Starlink satellite beams are deactivated over Indian territory.
- The seized device, a rectangular dish with the Starlink logo, was found along with weapons. Mmunition during a joint operation by the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, and Manipur Police.
- The device was allegedly linked to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), a Meitei insurgent group listed as a banned organization.
- While not officially available in India, Starlink has gained popularity in other regions. Including Myanmar, where it is used by both insurgents and civilians.
Search operations and area domination were conducted by security forces in the fringe and vulnerable areas of hill and valley districts. During the search operations, the following items were recovered:
— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) December 13, 2024
i. 01 (one) no. of MA4 Assault Rifle, 01 (one) no. of 12 Bore Single Barrel… pic.twitter.com/Ls4lwx9Opu
“Acting on specific intelligence, troops of the Indian Army and Assam Rifles formations under Spear Corps carried out. Joint search operations in the hill and valley regions in the districts of Churachandpur, Chandel, Imphal East, and Kangpokpi in Manipur. In close coordination with Manipur Police and other security forces 29 weapons. Comprising of snipers, automatic weapons, rifles, pistols, country-made mortars, single barrel rifles, grenades, ammunition, and war-like stores.” The Spear Corps said in a post on X.
Acting on specific intelligence, troops of #IndianArmy and #AssamRifles formations under #SpearCorps carried out joint search operations in the hill and valley regions in the districts of Churachandpur, Chandel, Imphal East and Kagpokpi in #Manipur, in close coordination with… pic.twitter.com/kxy7ec5YAE
— SpearCorps.IndianArmy (@Spearcorps) December 16, 2024
Also Read: Cybercrime in India
