SJM Rayagada Submits Memorandum to President Murmu Opposing Starlink’s Entry into India
Dr.Badal Tah,Odishabarta
RAYAGADA, November 7: Citing grave concerns over national security, data sovereignty, citizens’ privacy, and the future of the indigenous telecom sector, the Rayagada unit of Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) has formally urged the Government of India to bar US-based SpaceX’s satellite internet service, Starlink, from operating in the country.
A memorandum addressed to the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, was submitted on Friday through the Additional District Magistrate (ADM), Rayagada. The delegation demanded an immediate halt to processing Starlink’s operational permits and called for the revocation of any clearances issued under the Unified License framework.
The Manch outlined five critical concerns in its memorandum:
* Threat to National Security & Strategic Sovereignty: Placing critical communication infrastructure under foreign-controlled satellite networks creates severe strategic vulnerabilities.
* Citizen Privacy & Data Protection Risks: Allowing a foreign entity unmediated access risks routing sensitive citizen and operational data through overseas jurisdictions.
* Strategic Vulnerability to Foreign Capital: Excessive reliance on international tech conglomerates threatens to marginalize domestic operators.
* Impact on Domestic Telecom & BSNL: Giving market access to multinational satellite providers directly undermines the viability and growth trajectory of state-owned BSNL and local industry players.
* Setback to “Atmanirbhar Bharat”: Facilitating dominant foreign market entry directly contradicts India’s strategic push for self-reliance in communications technology.
The delegation was led by SJM District Coordinator Sudarshan Padhi, accompanied by notable community representatives, including Dr. Bipin Bihari Biswal (Senior Citizens’ In-Charge), Advocate Labanya Mohan Patnaik (Environment In-Charge), P. Murali (Town In-Charge), Smt. Manjula Miniaka (Vice Chairperson, Special Development Council), and Jogeshwar Das (State Vice President, Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh).
Other prominent attendees included District Secretary Ganesh Sahu, alongside members Pranita Patra, Sabita Bhuyan, Sagar Kumar Sahu, Santoshi Mallik, and Utpala Sabar.
The Manch affirmed that protecting territorial data borders and strengthening native telecom infrastructure must remain paramount over foreign commercial interests.
