Imphal, December 16 2009: The ever-worsening violence in Manipur, India, has forced Gospel for Asia's film teams to stop working in the state.

The state has been the site of major political turmoil since two people were killed by police in July.

A number of universities have shut down, and several student groups have been actively protesting what they view to be a case of unnecessary police violence that recently occurred in the state.

The student protestors say the incident, in which a former member of a rebel group was allegedly murdered by police in broad daylight, is indicative of widespread, systematic violence in the state.

The latest development in the protest came on December 9 when protesters organized a bandh (a strike).

Part of the bandh is the cessation of all entertainment and festivals, including movies.

Although organized by civilian groups, bandhs are very effective at halting daily life in India, as the groups generally commit acts of violence against anyone who does not comply with the demands of their bandh.

This is a devastating blow to the GFA film teams, which are very effective in sharing the love of Jesus in the state.

Ministry leaders in Manipur ask for prayer for the film teams in their state, that they would be able to go back out on the road soon.

They also ask for prayer for the overall situation in the state, for God's peace to reign and for those in Manipur who do not know the Lord, that they would come to know Him in a real and personal way.

"Life in Manipur is like a lottery," said one person who was interviewed for a local news outlet.

"You are alive because you are lucky".

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