Elon Musk denies Starlink use in Manipur, says beams turned off in India

His statement follows reports of security forces seizing two Starlink devices during raids in Manipur's Imphal East district.

The confiscation of the devices sparked speculation about the potential use of satellite internet in India.

Addressing these rumours, Musk reiterated that Starlink beams are inactive in the country.

Starlink is currently seeking approval from the Indian government to provide satellite broadband services.

As part of this process, the Musk-owned company is addressing security concerns raised by authorities.

Public commentators and security analysts suggest the seized devices may have been smuggled into India through the porous Myanmar border, a region embroiled in civil conflict.

Reports have previously documented the use of Starlink devices by rebel groups in Myanmar, despite the service not operating there.

In Manipur, ongoing ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities, which began on May 3 last year, has exacerbated security concerns.

Investigations have revealed that many weapons looted from armouries during the conflict are now being used for extortion.

State police report that insurgent groups in the Valley are using these weapons to target traders and government employees for money.

Operations against extortion have recovered several weapons that match those missing since the violence erupted.

The unrest was initially triggered by a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ protesting the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, leading to prolonged clashes between the tribal Kuki-Zo and non-tribal Meitei communities.