SpaceX founder Elon Musk said the Starlink satellite beams were shut down in India, responding to claims that its equipment was being used in Manipur.
Security forces recently seized some internet equipment along with arms and ammunition during a raid at Keirao Khunu in Imphal East district.
The Indian Army’s Spear Corps shared photos of the items seized at X, and social media users were quick to note that one of the devices had a “Starlink logo”.
Pointing this out, an X user posted, “@Starlink is being used by terrorists. Hopefully, Elon @elonmusk looks into it and helps control misuse of this technology. Musk replied, “This is wrong. Starlink satellite beams are off in India.” Among the items recovered from Keirao Khunu were “one internet satellite antenna, one internet satellite router and 20 meters (approx) of FTP cables”, according to the state police.
The recovery of the Starlink-like device has also prompted agencies to investigate how the device found its way into the conflict-ridden state, officials said.
Musk’s Starlink, which provides satellite internet services, does not have a license to operate in India.
More than 250 people have been killed and thousands left homeless in communal violence between the Meitis and Kuki-Jo groups in Manipur since May last year.
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