Security forces in Manipur recovered a Starlink-like satellite internet device along with a cache of weapons during a search operation in the conflict-hit Imphal East district on December 13.
The operation, conducted jointly by the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, and Manipur Police, also led to the seizure of sniper rifles, pistols, grenades, and other war-related materials.
The recovered items included one MA4 assault rifle, a 12-bore gun, a 9mm pistol, a .32 pistol, five hand grenades, five arming rings, two detonators, 30 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, a satellite antenna, a satellite router, and around 20 meters of FTP cables, according to the Manipur Police.
Images of the seized items shared on social media by the Dimapur-based Spear Corps showed a device with the Starlink logo, raising concerns about its origins and usage. The device also displayed inscriptions of the RPF/PLA, officials noted.
In response to claims that the device was a genuine Starlink product, SpaceX founder Elon Musk denied the allegations. When an X user suggested, “[@Starlink] is being used by terrorists. Hope, Elon [@elonmusk] looks into it and helps control misuse of this technology,” Musk replied, “This is false. Starlink satellite beams are turned off over India.”
Starlink, a satellite internet service owned by SpaceX, does not have a license to operate in India.
The recovery of the device has prompted questions about how it ended up in Manipur, with authorities launching an investigation. The Spear Corps confirmed that search operations were carried out across Churachandpur, Chandel, Imphal East, and Kangpokpi districts.
In total, 29 weapons, including snipers, automatic rifles, and country-made mortars, were seized during these operations.
Manipur has been facing ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May of last year, resulting in over 250 deaths and the displacement of thousands of people.
