Rebels in Manipur are using Mask's satellite-based Internet service Starlink Internet, ignoring the ban of the Indian government. Police and members of two armed groups confirmed this information.
Starlink's satellite services are currently not permitted in India due to security concerns. However, the use of this service is allowed in the neighboring country of Manipur, Myanmar.
The state of Manipuri is currently in turmoil due to the ongoing conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities. For this, internet service has been stopped several times in that area. Almost daily clashes have taken place in the state since May 2023, resulting in over 250 deaths. Armed groups have formed on both sides, leaving the state ethnically divided.
Failing to bring the security situation in Manipur under control, the state and central governments have repeatedly shut down the internet, sometimes lasting for months. However, it is known that Starlink service is being used for internet in various areas of Manipur during this period. British media The Guardian has confirmed this information citing multiple sources.
A leader of Manipur's People's Liberation Army (PLA) Meitei rebel group said their group first used Myanmar's Starlink service. Later they realized that it also works on the borders of Manipur.
Elon Musk has long expressed interest in offering Starlink services in India subject to legal approval. Last November, the Indian government said that Starlink is currently working to obtain the necessary security clearances. However, telecommunications, especially satellite internet, are very tightly regulated in India. Experts have expressed concern that this could pose a security threat or be used against India's routine internet shutdown procedures.
Internet shutdowns have become a regular routine of Indian government regulation. India has had the highest number of internet shutdowns in the last seven years.
Officials of two security agencies in the state said Starlink devices were being used illegally by the general public and armed groups in Manipur to access the Internet.
A senior police officer of Manipur said that Starlink operates in some areas, especially in some areas near the Myanmar border. Security personnel believe that the recently recovered Starlink device was smuggled from Myanmar. However, Starlink did not comment on the matter.
A person, who did not want to be named, said he saw a Starlink device being used. It was brought from the US during a wedding ceremony.
No confirmed information is available on how many armed groups are using this technology in Manipur. Two groups from the Cookie side and one from the Meitei side claimed they did not use Starlink to access the Internet.
Starlink has been used in Indian territory before. Last December, the Indian Coast Guard said it had recovered a Starlink device on a boat off the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, linked to the smuggling of drugs (methamphetamine) worth around £3 billion.
Police said the device was being used in Indian waters for navigation and internet access and they have contacted Starlink for assistance in the investigation.
