Artists show art of punching

Artists show art of punching

BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: A gathering of local artists and entertainers turned nasty on Tuesday when rival camps came to blows.

The situation got out of control as opposing camps shouted at each other, grabbed each other's collars and traded punches, Antara reported yesterday.

The violence ended only when police were called in but the artists kept up their verbal attacks.

The conflict began after some artists accused the Lampung artists' association's leaders of incompetence.

Critics said the association had failed to advance cultural development in the province because some of the leaders were interested only in advancing their positions.

They demanded the association be led by artists instead of bureaucrats to ensure the association's independence.

There was also disagreement over nominations for association leaders for the 1996-2001 term of office. (pan)