Guwahati/Imphal
Militants in conflict-stricken Manipur are using Starlink satellite internet, owned by the world’s richest man Elon Musk’s SpaceX company. to bypass government-imposed internet shutdowns. This, even though it is unlicensed for use in India due to security concerns.
The Guardian reported about the technology’s usage based on the reported confirmation from the security and militant groups both.
Starlink, operated by Musk’s SpaceX company, is allowed in Myanmar, which borders Manipur. Already, sealing of the border with Myanmar has been much demanded to control the nearly two-year-long strife in the northeastern State.
Tech billionaire Musk has shown an interest in launching Starlink in India but the company is yet to obtain the necessary approvals. The Indian government is concerned about the security risks involved with this technology, given its ability to escape and bypass any internet shutdown.
Starlink provides satellite-based internet and is marketed as a solution for connectivity in remote or restricted areas. Following the discovery of Starlink’s usage, Indian authorities have raised alarms over Starlink’s potential to undermine national security.
Meanwhile, Manipur’s new Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Saturday chaired a meeting with senior police, CRPF, BSF, Assam Rifles officials and reviewed the comprehensive security situation in the state.
A statement from the Raj Bhavan said, “Taking stock of the prevailing law and order situation, the Governor reviewed the security apparatus and its arrangements throughout the state, with a particular focus on border areas.”
During the meeting, the Governor directed DGP Rajiv Singh to prioritise the safety of the people and urged Army and paramilitary forces to aid the administration in maintaining law and order. Manipur Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi and Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh were also at the meeting, besides senior police officers and representatives of the CRPF, BSF and Assam Rifles.
Bhalla, a former Union Home Secretary, took oath on January 3 even as violence erupted in Kangpokpi where protesters attacked the SP office. While the SP Manoj Prabhakar was himself injured, many protestors too got injured as the police fired tear gas shells to disperse the mob wherein a few were also seen with automated weapons.
The protestors held the SP responsible for not keeping his assurance of removing central forces from Saibol village where tribal women were baton charged by them.
Media reports claimed that the Governor suggested that the State police use legal options such as the National Security Act, 1980, which provides detention for a year without trial, against miscreants and troublemakers.
The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) has officially ended the indefinite economic blockade along National Highway NH-2 and the extended 24-hour total shutdown in Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi.
The withdrawal follows an agreement with authorities ensuring the deployment of the 112 CRPF Battalion, stationed in Kangpokpi, to the Bungpi fringe areas, specifically the Saibol region in Lhungtin sub-division.
