Pay Hike Demand, 300 Arrests, Pak Link Under Probe: Violent Noida Protest
In one of the top news headlines India is following, a workers’ protest in Noida over salary issues turned violent on Monday. The unrest led to more than 300 arrests, traffic chaos, and a probe into a possible Pakistan link.
How the Noida Protest Turned Violent
The protest started as a demand for higher wages but quickly got out of control. Around 40,000 factory workers gathered across nearly 80 locations in Noida.
Clashes broke out in areas like Phase-2 and Sector 63 when protesters and police faced off. Some protesters set vehicles on fire, damaged property, and threw stones. Major roads were blocked, causing long traffic jams and panic in nearby areas.
Over 300 Arrested, More Under Watch
Police took strict action as the situation worsened. Over 300 people were arrested for violence and damage to property, while more than 100 were detained for questioning.
Officials said they are checking CCTV footage from factories and nearby areas to identify more people involved. More arrests may follow.
“Outsiders” Suspected Behind Violence
Police believe that the situation became violent after some outsiders entered the area.
According to Police Commissioner Laxmi Singh, the workers had started leaving peacefully, but a group from outside the district tried to provoke violence. Some of these individuals have been caught, and others are being identified.
Pakistan Link Under Probe
In a major development, Uttar Pradesh Labour Minister Anil Rajbhar said that a possible Pakistan link is being investigated.
He called the incident a “planned conspiracy” and linked it to recent terror-related arrests in Meerut and Noida. Those cases reportedly had connections to handlers based in Pakistan. However, officials have not confirmed any direct link yet, and the investigation is ongoing.
Why Workers Were Protesting
The main reason behind the protest was low wages.
Workers said they are not being paid fairly, especially after Haryana increased minimum wages by around 35%. Many workers in Noida said they earn only ₹11,000 to ₹15,000 even after working long 12-hour shifts.
Some also claimed they are made to sign for double shifts but are paid for only one. With rising living costs, workers are demanding salaries of at least ₹20,000 to ₹25,000.
The Uttar Pradesh government said it had already revised wages on April 1.
· Unskilled workers: ₹13,690
· Semi-skilled workers: ₹15,059
· Skilled workers: ₹16,868
Officials said the situation is now under control. Heavy security has been deployed, and sensitive areas are being closely monitored. Further protests are unlikely for now.
A committee formed by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has promised to look into workers’ concerns and ensure labour laws are followed.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath appealed to workers to stay calm and not fall for any provocation. He said the government is working for both workers and industries.
Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav criticized the government. He said the unrest shows that workers are being ignored while policies favor industrialists.
This incident is among the latest National News, highlighting growing concerns over wages, working conditions, and law and order in industrial areas like Noida.
