Clashes erupt between artists & Papiya supporters; RAF deployed after stone-pelting

Tension escalated into violence on Thursday when artists and supporters of Papiya clashed following dissatisfaction over a meeting held a day earlier. The confrontation led to heavy stone-pelting in the area, prompting authorities to deploy the Rapid Action Force (RAF) along with a large police contingent to restore order and disperse the crowd.

According to sources, Papiya held a meeting with a group of artists on Wednesday. Several participants were reportedly dissatisfied with the outcome of the discussion and left the meeting expressing frustration over unresolved issues. The discontent reportedly continued into Thursday morning when a group of artists returned to raise their demands and grievances.

The situation deteriorated after the artists alleged that they were aggressively treated by Papiya’s security personnel and associates and were forcibly removed from the premises. The dispute subsequently turned into a confrontation between the two groups, with both sides reportedly engaging in stone-pelting. Bricks and stones were scattered across the area as the unrest spread and residents gathered nearby. Police and RAF personnel later intervened and took measures to bring the situation under control while monitoring developments in the area.