Noida: A protest by factory workers demanding a wage hike turned violent in parts of Noida on Monday, with incidents of arson, vandalism and stone-pelting reported from industrial areas.
According to police and reports, workers gathered in large numbers to press for their long-pending demand for salary revision. The agitation, which had been ongoing for the past few days, escalated after tensions flared during the protest.
Protesters allegedly vandalised vehicles, including police and government vehicles, and set some of them on fire. Stone-pelting was also reported during clashes, leading to damage to property in the area. The situation intensified after a female worker was reportedly struck during police action, triggering further unrest among demonstrators.
Authorities said heavy police deployment has been made across the affected industrial zones under the Gautam Buddh Nagar Commissionerate, with senior officials present on the ground to monitor the situation.
Police maintained that the situation is under control and under continuous surveillance. “Efforts are being made to counsel the workers and maintain peace. Minimum force is being used wherever necessary to maintain law and order,” officials said.
The protests have also severely impacted traffic movement, particularly along key routes connecting Noida and Delhi, leaving commuters stranded for hours. The unrest stems from workers’ demand for a wage hike in line with labour laws and rising living costs, with many alleging delays in implementation of promised salary revisions. Authorities have appealed to the public to avoid rumours and assured that normalcy is being restored in the affected areas.
