Opinion
In response to allegations that Starlink satellite internet services were being misused by miscreants during violent incidents in Manipur, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk clarified that Starlink services are not active in India.
Manipur has been witnessing unrest after the suspicious deaths of three individuals in the Jiribam district, leading to widespread anger among locals. Protests erupted, with demands for justice for the victims’ families and calls for the arrest of the culprits within 24 hours.
In the aftermath, miscreants attacked and set fire to the homes of three ministers and six MLAs in Imphal, including the house of Chief Minister Biren Singh’s son-in-law. Protests also took place outside the residences of public representatives.
Security forces later seized weapons, ammunition, and several internet devices. Among the confiscated items from the Kairao Khunou area were a satellite internet antenna, a satellite router, and 20-meter NTP cables, with one device bearing the Starlink logo, confirmed state police.
The discovery led to claims that anti-social elements were using Starlink services, prompting netizens to tag Elon Musk, urging him to curb such misuse. Musk responded on Twitter, stating, “This is false. Starlink services are not active in India.”
The clarification highlights the unavailability of Starlink services in India and dispels the allegations of their misuse in the ongoing conflict.
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