The Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) on Tuesday demanded that the Central Government should not allow Starlink to launch its satellite-based internet services in India until concerns related to national security, data privacy and surveillance mechanisms are satisfactorily addressed.
SJM workers staged a protest at the MVM College Square in Bhopal on Monday afternoon, raising slogans against Starlink and demanding that the company should not be permitted to commence its operations in India.
The protest was led by Satish Kumar, All India Joint Organiser of the Swadeshi Jagran Manch. Addressing the gathering, Satish Kumar said that Starlink should not be allowed to launch its services in India.
He said that although the company offers satellite-based internet services, similar technology is already available in India. Employment opportunities in the country cannot be compromised at any cost, he added. He further said that even if Starlink offers affordable services with good quality, questions remain over the credibility of the United States, Elon Musk and those associated with him.
Referring to developments involving Iran and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Satish Kumar said that India’s approach must remain cautious in view of the conduct of these stakeholders in various international matters. Considering national security concerns and questions of credibility, Starlink should not be granted permission to enter the Indian market, he added.
SJM leaders said that satellite-based internet services could be exploited by hostile forces, smugglers and insurgent groups to communicate beyond the reach of conventional telecommunications networks.
They said that clear arrangements for monitoring and regulating internet services were essential to maintain law and order during situations involving separatist activities, terrorist incidents, riots and protests. The Government must clarify the framework governing the operation, monitoring and legal accountability of satellite internet service providers, he added.
Recently BJP leader Subramanian Swamy has urged to Union Home Minister Amit Shah to condcut a strict security audit on Elon Musk’s Starlink operations, citing various security and legal issues.