Noida, April 13: Factory workers in Noida staged a violent protest on Monday. Hundreds of employees who have been agitating since April 9 with demands for a salary hike took to the streets armed with sticks and batons.
Workers Turn Violent, Clash with Police Amid Unrest
The workers engaged in stone-pelting and vandalism at over 50 factories across various localities. They vandalized more than 150 vehicles and set fire to over 50 others. Even police vehicles were overturned. As the situation deteriorated, police forces from several stations rushed to the scene; however, the workers pelted stones at them. The police subsequently fired tear gas shells. The workers have asserted that they will not back down until their demands are met.
Detentions Made, Probe Ordered as Govt Urges Calm
The police have detained several workers. Notably, this protest lacked any specific face or designated leader; the violent demonstrations were carried out primarily by youths aged between 18 and 30.
Meanwhile, the Yogi government has constituted a high-level committee to investigate the matter. The Chief Minister urged the public to remain vigilant against individuals attempting to incite industrial unrest, assuring them that his government stands firmly with the workers.
Where and how did the violence and arson erupt?
The situation first deteriorated in the Phase-2 area. Frustrated by a lack of redressal for their grievances, the employees turned violent and resorted to stone-pelting. Following the events in Phase-2, the protests gradually spread to approximately 10 industrial zones within Noida, as well as to neighboring districts.