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

Amidst the claims that Starlink satellite was being used by insurgents in restive Manipur, SpaceX founder Elon Musk has asserted that Starlink satellite beams were turned off over India. Musk’s response came after users on X pointed out that a device recently seized by security forces in the ethnic conflict-torn northeastern state, allegedly carried a “Starlink logo”.

Recently, security forces had seized some internet devices along with arms and ammunition during a raid in Keirao Khunou in Manipur’s Imphal East district. The Spear Corps of the Indian Army had shared photos of the items seized on X, and users were quick to note that one of the devices had a “Starlink logo”.

“@Starlink is being used by terrorists. Hope, Elon @elonmusk looks into it and help control misuse of this technology,” an user commented. Responding to the comment, Musk wrote “This is false. Starlink satellite beams are turned off over India.”