Starlink Devices Smuggled into Manipur to Bypass Internet Shutdowns
In the conflict-ridden north-eastern state of Manipur, reports have emerged indicating that unlicensed SpaceX Starlink satellite internet devices are being used by both civilians and armed groups to circumvent government-imposed internet shutdowns. These shutdowns, which have lasted for weeks or months at a time, were put in place as authorities struggled to manage ongoing ethnic violence between the majority Meitei and minority Kuki populations.
Since violence erupted in May 2023, resulting in over 250 fatalities, the local government has restricted internet access as a security measure. However, sources within armed factions and police confirmed that Starlink devices, brought in from neighboring Myanmar where the service is licensed, are functioning in areas of Manipur.
A leader from the Meitei separatist group, the People’s Liberation Army of Manipur, stated that the group initially utilized the devices in Myanmar before realizing their capability to operate in Manipur. Observers have noted the technology's effectiveness even during periods of blackouts, as reflected in personal accounts of Starlink usage during a recent wedding in Imphal, the state capital.
Despite Elon Musk's ambitions for Starlink's expansion into the Indian market, the service remains unlicensed in India, pending necessary government permissions amid security concerns. Experts warn that the technology could pose risks, enabling circumvention of state controls that have led India to have the highest number of internet shutdowns worldwide in recent years.
Law enforcement is currently investigating the use of Starlink in Manipur and has previously encountered the technology in unlawful contexts, such as a seizure related to drug smuggling in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. As tensions persist in Manipur, the implications of this satellite internet access remain a significant concern for security agencies.
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