Noida Workers Protest: The industrial workers staged a massive protest across Noida on Monday, demanding a hike in the payment and better working conditions. While most of the groups organised peaceful protests, the others created chaos by blocking the roads, burning vehicles, and vandalising factory buildings. The authorities asserted that the violent protests could be a part of a larger conspiracy and blamed "outsiders" for provoking the workers. A detailed probe has been launched into the matter to disclose the factors behind the protests.
While addressing the reporters, Gautam Buddh Nagar Police Commissioner Laxmi Singh asserted that "anti-social elements" escalated the situation, adding that a group from outside created the chaos. "After the labourers dispersed peacefully, a group from outside arrived and moved around attempting to incite tension and violence. Some have been taken into custody and the rest are being identified," she asserted.
The officials asserted that 40,000 to 45,000 workers gathered at around 85 locations across the city, adding that the protest turned violent at several locations, especially near Phase 2. They further stated that the situation escalated due to the misinformation, adding that FIRs have been launched against the social media users claiming deaths and injuries during the protests.
Uttar Pradesh labour minister Anil Rajbhar stated that the conspirators tried to disrupt the law and order, adding that the authorities were probing a possible Pakistan link. "In such a situation, the possibility of a conspiracy to create instability gains strength," Rajbhar stated.
Apart from this, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also stated that the protest could be an attempt to revive Naxalism. "Naxalism is at the point of elimination, but attempts to revive it could be part of a larger conspiracy. Some protests may have involved misleading and disruptive elements," he asserted.
The state government has asked the industries to ensure safe working conditions, healthcare access, and safety equipment for the workers.