In a significant and alarming discovery in Northeast India, the Indian Army and Assam Rifles have found Starlink internet devices, produced by Elon Musk's SpaceX, in the strongholds of insurgents, particularly in conflict-laden regions of Manipur. Following this revelation, security agencies, the army, and police are on heightened alert across multiple districts.
Starlink devices have been seized in towns like Churachandpur, Chandel, Imphal East, and Kangpokpi by the army and Assam Rifles. Whereas previous raids typically unearthed weapons and ammunition, this time, the cutting-edge communication device from Elon Musk's company has been uncovered.
If such high-tech satellite internet falls into the hands of infiltrators, it poses a dire threat to national security. Handling these infiltrators will become increasingly challenging for security forces due to the region's harsh terrain. Previously limited communication channels have now expanded, enabling infiltrators to execute attacks with greater coordination thanks to the Starlink satellite internet. Enhanced communication among them will exacerbate the issue.
Source: aajtak
Security Concerns with Starlink
Starlink provides internet access to the most remote areas without relying on traditional wires or towers, direct from the satellite. Consequently, infiltrators can operate undetected by government, military, intelligence, or administrative bodies since the connection is encrypted end-to-end, making it hard to hack.
The seized device bears markings from the Revolutionary People's Front (RPF), connected to China’s People's Liberation Army. The RPF is notably the most active terrorist group in Manipur. This raises questions about how these devices reached infiltrators in Manipur when Starlink broadband isn't officially licensed in India.
Defense experts suggest these devices might have been smuggled into the country or activated elsewhere via false geotagging to bypass restrictions. Experts say that such technologies in the hands of infiltrators are indicative of their evolving capabilities, equipped with high-speed internet, altering the dynamics of communication among terrorist groups.
Source: aajtak
Challenges Security Agencies Might Face
For counter-terrorism operations, these advanced devices are an impediment. Effective communication among terrorist and infiltrator groups is possible even in remote, inaccessible areas. They can obtain real-time intelligence, propagate propaganda campaigns, and evading detection becomes nearly impossible by conventional means.
Security agencies are still developing the capacity to counter satellite internet threats. Through Starlink, terrorists could connect with external entities, enemy nations, fund providers, supporters, and local networks. Such threats also affect the general population, allowing terrorists to infiltrate them easily, carry out cyberattacks, spread misinformation, or even recruit vulnerable youth into terror groups.
Source: aajtak
Need for Policy Adjustments and Technical Countermeasures
Following the discovery of Starlink devices, Indian agencies remain vigilant about satellite internet services. Globally, Starlink has launched its service, with success in places like Ukraine, though it remains unlicensed in India. Hence, there is a call for policy adjustment in light of such incidents.
Security forces have been tasked to trace the origins of these Starlink devices found in Manipur or elsewhere, investigate the supply chain, and develop technical countermeasures for clandestine tracking and remote disabling.
Defense experts emphasize elevating the military's cyber capabilities and technologies. Satellite internet poses a dual-use technology risk, bridging the digital divide but turning hazardous in malicious hands.
Musk's Denial, Claims Beams Over India Deactivated
Elon Musk, owner of Starlink, has stated that their satellite beams over India have been deactivated. They disagree with claims about the device's usage in Manipur. Contrarily, the Indian Army shared images of the device with Starlink branding over social site X, urging Elon Musk to address the matter. Musk replied, asserting the claim as false and reasserted the deactivation of their satellite beams over India.
