News Brief
Elon Musk Responds After 'Starlink' Like Satellite Internet Device Seized By Security Forces During Search Operation In Manipur
Pic Via X
Security forces in Manipur have recovered a Starlink-like internet device along with an cache of weapons during a search operation in the strife-torn Imphal East district on 13 December.
During the operation, carried out jointly by the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, and Manipur Police, sniper rifles, pistols, grenades, and other war-like stores were also recovered.
The recovered items included one MA4 assault rifle, a 12-bore gun, a 9mm pistol, a .32 pistol, five hand grenades, five arming rings, two detonators, 30 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, an internet satellite antenna, a satellite router, and approximately 20 meters of FTP cables, according to the Manipur Police.
Images of the seized items shared by the Dimapur-headquartered Spear Corps on social media showed a device bearing the Starlink logo, prompting concerns about its origins and usage.
The device also featured inscriptions of the RPF/PLA, officials noted.
Reacting to claims that the device was a genuine Starlink product, SpaceX founder Elon Musk denied the allegations.
When an X user suggested, “@Starlink is being used by terrorists. Hope, Elon @elonmusk looks into it and helps control misuse of this technology,”
Starlink, a satellite internet service provider owned by SpaceX, does not hold a license to operate in India.
The recovery of the device has raised questions about how it reached Manipur, with relevant agencies launching an investigation.
The Spear Corps stated that the search operations were conducted in Churachandpur, Chandel, Imphal East, and Kangpokpi districts.
A total of 29 weapons, including snipers, automatic rifles, and country-made mortars, were seized during these operations.
Manipur has been grappling with ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May last year, leaving over 250 people dead and thousands displaced.
