Image showing security personnel in Manipur's Imphal, and a satellite. For representational purposes.
Credit: PTI, iStock Photos
Are Starlink satellites being leveraged by militants to circumvent internet shutdowns in conflict-ridden Manipur? Despite Elon Musk's denial, reports suggest they certainly are.
According to a report by The Guardian, which cited "multiple sources" within militia groups and the state police, Starlink internet has been working in several areas of Manipur, and has been used by both militant groups and individuals during periods of internet shutdown by the government.
The publication cited a person from the Meitei group People's Liberation Army of Manipur (PLA) who confirmed that the PLA had indeed used Starlink during internet shutdowns in the state. While the PLA started using Starlink internet in neighbouring Myanmar, they soon realised that Starlink was working in parts of Manipur, and tapped into the satellite-based internet service from the conflict-ridden state.
Sources within security agencies in Manipur also confirmed to the publication that they had indeed received reports about the use of Starlink internet by civilians and militant groups.
"Our initial information suggests that Starlink indeed works in some areas of Manipur, particularly in some areas that are closer to the Myanmar border," The Guardian quoted one of the security sources as saying, adding that security forces believe that Starlink devices had been smuggled in from Myanmar.
Another person living in Imphal also confirmed to the publication that he had witnessed a person using a Starlink device brought over from the US.
"The internet was working on it. It was the period when the internet was turned off in our region. I was surprised to see the internet working when I connected my own phone," the man was quoted as saying.
That being said, the publication reported two armed Kuki groups and one armed Meitei group denied using Starlink.
Questions about whether Starlink was being used in Manipur emerged in December after the Spear Corps of the Indian Army shared photos of seized devices, including of one that appeared to be a Starlink terminal.
Musk, however, was quick to dismiss the finding, and promptly commented, "This is false. Starlink satellite beams are turned off over India."
With first-hand accounts now confirming the use of Starlink internet within Manipur, the extent of its use remains unclear in the state, which has been mired in ethnic conflict since 2023.
The Guardian also reported that SpaceX, which operates Starlink, refused to comment on its findings in Manipur.
Starlink is currently awaiting regulatory approval in India.