In a significant first, a Starlink satellite dish and router, allegedly used by a Meitei insurgent group, have been seized in Manipur. The discovery has raised concerns about insurgents leveraging advanced internet technology to coordinate operations, even during internet blackouts, according to sources. The joint operation, conducted by security forces, also led to the recovery of an MA4 assault rifle, grenades, and ammunition in Imphal East district’s Khunou area.
The Starlink device, part of the global satellite internet service owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, operates through a low Earth orbit satellite constellation, delivering broadband where it is licensed. However, Starlink services are not authorised in India. Elon Musk, addressing the issue on X (formerly Twitter), stated, “This is false. Starlink satellite beams are turned off over India.” Despite this, sources emphasize that the mere presence of such a device with insurgents does not confirm its usability within India.
The Indian Army’s Spear Corps, in a social media post, shared visuals of the seized device—a white rectangular dish and router with the Starlink logo. Markings on the device include the acronyms “RPF/PLA,” referring to the Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF) and its armed wing, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), a banned Meitei insurgent group. The police have since taken custody of the device for further investigation.
The operation, carried out jointly by the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, and Manipur Police, covered several districts, including Churachandpur, Chandel, Kangpokpi, and Imphal East. The effort yielded significant recoveries, including 29 weapons such as snipers, rifles, pistols, country-made mortars, grenades, and other war-like supplies.
“Acting on specific intelligence, troops of the Indian Army and Assam Rifles formations under Spear Corps conducted joint search operations in coordination with Manipur Police and other security forces. The search resulted in the recovery of weapons, ammunition, and war-like stores,” the Spear Corps posted on X.
The seizure of the Starlink device has sparked interest due to its potential implications. While Starlink is not licensed in India or neighboring Myanmar, the Myanmar Internet Project estimates that around 3,000 Starlink connections are in use across Myanmar, primarily by ethnic insurgents and civilians in remote areas. The Meitei PLA, known to operate in Myanmar near the Indian border, could potentially access such technology despite licensing restrictions.
Starlink introduced the rectangular dish in November 2021 as part of its second-generation hardware lineup. The dimensions of the seized device—approximately 20 by 12 inches—match those of Starlink’s newer equipment, as seen in visuals released by security forces.
The Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF), the political wing of the banned PLA, is among eight Meitei secessionist organizations listed by India’s Ministry of Home Affairs. While the police have refrained from divulging additional details about the recovered Starlink device, investigations are in the preliminary stages.
The discovery underscores the evolving challenges faced by security forces as insurgents adapt to new technologies. The use of satellite internet during periods of restricted communication highlights the urgent need for vigilance and preparedness to counter such strategies.