Starlink Devices Smuggled to Manipur Amid Ongoing Internet Shutdowns

IN
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In the northeastern Indian state of Manipur, where violent conflict has persisted since May 2023, reports have emerged of SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet devices being used by groups to bypass government-enforced internet shutdowns. The state has been plagued by fighting between the majority Meitei ethnic group and the minority Kuki population, leading to over 250 deaths and a proliferation of armed factions.

Despite Starlink's unregulated status in India due to security concerns, sources indicate that the service, accessible from nearby Myanmar, has been utilized for internet access during periods of government-mandated outages. Armed groups, including the People’s Liberation Army of Manipur, have confirmed using these devices to communicate amidst the chaos.

Government authorities have implemented extensive internet blackouts as a means of controlling the situation, but reports suggest that Starlink has been operational in areas close to the Myanmar border. A senior police officer in Manipur noted the discovery of smuggled Starlink devices intended for internet access during these blackouts.

Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX, has expressed interest in bringing Starlink to India, a country with a vast population and a growing demand for internet services. While a regulatory approval process is underway, concerns have emerged regarding the potential misuse of satellite internet to circumvent shutdowns that have led India to have the highest number of internet blackouts in recent years.

Local witnesses report that the Starlink service has been operational even during internet shutdowns, raising alarm over its implications for security in the region. Meanwhile, SpaceX has not commented on the matter, and the situation continues to evolve.

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