Noida , April 13
Violence broke out in Noida on Monday after factory workers demanding a wage hike staged protests that escalated into arson and stone pelting, disrupting traffic and prompting heavy police deployment across industrial areas, officials said.
The unrest was reported from Phase 2 and Sector 60, where vehicles were set on fire and property was damaged. The protests severely affected morning traffic, leaving thousands of commuters stranded on routes leading to Delhi, with long queues seen at the Delhi Noida border.
Officials said a large number of workers from various industrial units gathered to press for long pending salary revisions and raised slogans during demonstrations. Similar protests were reported in Sector 62 and Sector 84, including at a Motherson unit, while National Highway 9 was also blocked.
The situation turned violent as some protesters resorted to vandalism and stone pelting. Police said adequate deployment has been ensured across Gautam Buddh Nagar, with senior officers present on the ground to monitor developments.
“The situation is under control and being continuously monitored. Efforts are being made to counsel the workers and maintain peace. Minimum force is being used wherever necessary to maintain law and order,” police said in a statement.
Authorities appealed to the public not to pay attention to rumours and said normalcy is being restored in affected areas. The violence comes a day after the Uttar Pradesh government announced measures to strengthen labour welfare, including double overtime pay and timely wages.
Security has been tightened at key entry points to Delhi, with multiple teams deployed and strict vehicle checks in place to prevent any spillover. Police said they remain on alert and are coordinating with authorities to ensure the situation does not escalate further.
