On September 27, the Manipur Government extended the imposition of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in the whole State — except in the jurisdiction of 19 Police Stations in seven Districts of the Imphal Valley — for another six months, reports The Hindu. The State government’s notification maintaining this “status quo” is applicable from October 1. It comes despite the army’s demand for the re-imposition of AFSPA in the valley Districts, arguing that its absence had hampered operations against insurgent groups. The Police Station areas where the Disturbed Areas Act has not been imposed are Imphal, Lamphel City, Singjamei, Sekmai, Lamsang, Pastol, Wangoi, Porompat, Heingagng, Lamlai, Iribung, Leimakhong, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Nambol, Moirang, Kakchin and Jiribam. The Army and Assam Rifles cannot operate inside the areas under the 19 Police Stations without the consent of the State Police.