IMPHAL: SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has denied allegations that Starlink devices are being used in Manipur, asserting that the satellite beams are turned off over India.
This clarification comes after reports surfaced that security forces seized internet devices resembling Starlink equipment during a recent raid in the restive state.
The raid, conducted in Keirao Khunou, Imphal East district, uncovered internet devices, arms, and ammunition.
Among the seized items were a satellite antenna, a router, and approximately 20 meters of FTP cables, according to the state police.
Photos of the seized items shared by the Indian Army’s Spear Corps on platform X (formerly Twitter) drew public attention, with some users identifying a device featuring the “Starlink logo.”
One user raised concerns, tagging Musk and stating, “Starlink is being used by terrorists. Hope Elon Musk looks into it and helps control misuse of this technology.”
Musk promptly responded, “This is false. Starlink satellite beams are turned off over India.”
The discovery of the Starlink-like device has prompted security agencies to launch an investigation into how such equipment made its way into Manipur, a state grappling with ethnic violence since May 2023.
Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, is currently not licensed to operate in India.
The company’s operations in the country have been suspended since 2021, following warnings from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) against offering unauthorized services.
Manipur has been plagued by ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, leading to over 250 fatalities and displacing thousands.
The unrest has disrupted internet connectivity in several parts of the state, heightening concerns over the misuse of satellite internet devices in such volatile regions.
Authorities are continuing their investigations into the origins of the seized equipment and any potential security implications.
