Protests by factory workers demanding a wage hike turned violent in Noida on Monday, with incidents of arson, vandalism, and stone-pelting reported in Phase-2 and Sector 60, police said.
A large number of workers from various industrial units had gathered to press for long-pending salary revisions. While the demonstration began peacefully, it escalated after some participants allegedly damaged property, pelted stones, and set a vehicle on fire.
The unrest caused significant disruption, with traffic congestion affecting commuters across the area. Several vehicles and public property were damaged during the violence.
Police said adequate deployment has been ensured across industrial zones under the Gautam Buddh Nagar Police Commissionerate, with senior officers present on the ground.
Related news: Delhi-NCR traffic revolution: 15-minute commute between Gurugram and Delhi set to be reality
Following a similar demonstration in Noida, a major protest erupted on the Delhi–Agra National Highway on Monday, as hundreds of women employees from private companies blocked the roadway between Faridabad and Palwal. The blockade led to severe traffic congestion, leaving thousands of commuters stranded.
Cause of the Protest
The protesting women workers are demanding a substantial salary hike and enforcement of government-mandated minimum wages. They alleged that their concerns have been raised repeatedly over time, but no concrete action has been taken by management.
Highway blockade
The protesters occupied the main carriageway, bringing traffic movement to a complete halt along the busy highway stretch. Long queues of vehicles, including office commuters, interstate buses, and emergency vehicles, were reported.
Commuter distress
Travelers said they were stranded for hours in the heat, with limited access to water and no immediate alternative routes. Many office-goers were unable to reach their workplaces due to the sudden disruption.
Police intervention
Local police and administrative officials reached the spot and initiated talks with the protesters. Efforts are underway to clear the road and divert traffic, but the demonstrators have remained firm, insisting on a written assurance regarding wage revisions.
Current situation
The situation remains tense, with the blockade continuing as authorities attempt to mediate between the workers and company representatives.
Travel advisory
Commuters traveling between Delhi, Faridabad, and Agra are advised to avoid the highway and use alternative routes until further updates.
Delhi Police on high alert
Delhi Police have been put on high alert after factory workers’ protest in neighbouring Noida turned violent, prompting authorities to tighten security along key entry points into the National Capital.
They said a large number of workers from various industrial units gathered to press for their long-pending demand for salary revision and raised slogans during the demonstration.
According to police sources, several teams have been deployed at all motorable roads connecting Noida to different parts of Delhi, particularly at major border points with Uttar Pradesh, to prevent any spillover of unrest.
Senior officers said that strict vigil is being maintained and thorough checking of vehicles is being carried out to ensure that no anti-social elements enter the city under the guise of the protest. (With PTI inputs)
The Tribune, now published from Chandigarh, started publication on February 2, 1881, in Lahore (now in Pakistan). It was started by Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia, a public-spirited philanthropist, and is run by a trust comprising five eminent persons as trustees.
The Tribune, the largest selling English daily in North India, publishes news and views without any bias or prejudice of any kind. Restraint and moderation, rather than agitational language and partisanship, are the hallmarks of the newspaper. It is an independent newspaper in the real sense of the term.
The Tribune has two sister publications, Punjabi Tribune (in Punjabi) and Dainik Tribune (in Hindi).
Remembering Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia
Leave a Reply