In a significant development during a combing operation in Manipur’s Keirao Khunou village, security forces seized a Starlink dish and router marked with the company’s branding. Alongside the equipment, authorities also discovered firearms, ammunition, and other weapons. The device was handed over to the Department of Telecommunications and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology for detailed forensic analysis. Initial investigations indicate the device was non-functional and incompatible with the region.
Starlink and Its Global Operations
Starlink, owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, is the largest satellite-based broadband network using low Earth orbit satellites to provide internet worldwide. However, the service is not licensed to operate in India. In 2021, regulatory authorities ordered Starlink to cease operations and pre-orders in the country. Musk recently reaffirmed on X that Starlink signals remain inactive over India.
Implications of the Discovery
The Starlink device was recovered alongside military-grade weapons, raising alarms about its potential misuse. The device bore markings linked to the Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF) and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Meitei insurgent groups involved in Manipur’s ongoing ethnic violence. Experts worry that such technology could enable insurgents to bypass Indian communication networks, further complicating the crisis.
Rising Tensions in Conflict-Torn Manipur
Since May 2023, Manipur has been grappling with violent clashes between the valley-dominant Meitei community and hill-based Kuki tribes. Over 250 lives have been lost, and thousands have been displaced. Frequent internet shutdowns and restrictions have further isolated the region. The discovery of advanced technological equipment, such as Starlink, adds a new dimension to the conflict, highlighting potential external influences and technological misuse.
Broader Context of Starlink in the Region
Although Starlink is not licensed in neighboring Myanmar either, reports suggest its devices are widely used there. An estimated 3,000 connections facilitate communication for insurgent groups and civilians in remote areas. This raises concerns about cross-border influences, as Manipur shares a porous border with Myanmar, where the PLA has been active.
Moving Forward: Heightened Vigilance Required
The recovery of the Starlink device underscores the need for increased vigilance in addressing technological threats in conflict zones. Security agencies continue their investigations, tallying forensic reports and analyzing the potential implications of such equipment being used in regions under socio-political distress.
