Workers, taking to the streets to demand a wage hike, engaged in widespread unrest across various locations on Monday. In connection with these incidents, the police have detained over 300 individuals, and seven FIRs have been registered. Additionally, WhatsApp groups are currently being scrutinized.
When Did the Workers Mobilize?
The workers had been mobilizing ever since last Saturday, when a female worker sustained a gunshot injury during a protest held outside the Minda factory within the Ecotech-3 police station limits. On Monday morning, workers armed with sticks and stones took to the streets, wreaking havoc across three industrial zones in the district. They pelted stones at and vandalized over 500 industrial units, and set fire to more than 20 vehicles—including a police vehicle.
Traffic was disrupted on several key routes, including NH-9 and the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway. The damage caused to industrial units and public property through vandalism is estimated to be worth ₹3,000 crore. Following the protests, an announcement was made regarding a 21 percent wage hike for workers in Noida and Ghaziabad.
Noida Held ‘Hostage’ for Nine Hours
Commuters traveling to and from Ghaziabad and Delhi also had to contend with severe traffic jams. This sequence of events unfolded from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM—meaning that the entire city of Noida remained effectively ‘held hostage’ for approximately nine hours. Those commuting to and from their workplaces faced the greatest difficulties as a result.
30 People Injured, Including 10 Police Personnel
During the unrest, 30 people—including 10 police personnel—sustained injuries. The damage caused to industrial units and public property due to vandalism is estimated at approximately ₹3,000 crore. The police have detained over 300 rioters, and efforts are underway to identify other accused individuals using video footage and photographs.
DM Appeals for Peace
District Magistrate (DM) Medha Rupam and Police Commissioner Laxmi Singh have appealed to the workers to maintain peace. Meanwhile, Vipin Malhan, President of the Noida Entrepreneurs Association, has decided to keep industrial units across Noida and Greater Noida closed on Tuesday.
Vandalism and Arson at These Locations
In the Phase-2 police station area, workers barged into the premises of a Motherson Group unit, Ikka Electronics, and the Dixon Exports building, where they engaged in extensive vandalism. To bring the situation under control, the police fired tear gas shells; in response, the workers attacked a police vehicle with sticks and stones, overturning it, and subsequently set fire to three other police vehicles.
In the Phase-3 industrial area, agitated workers went on a rampage, causing severe damage to the Maruti-owned Vipul Motors Service Center in Sector-63, an industrial unit operating at F-429, the Nexa Service Center, and the Airtel building in Sector-57. Breaking into the Vipul Motors Service Center, the workers damaged over 35 vehicles and set fire to six others.
Over 20 Vehicles Torched; More Than 500 Damaged
Stone-pelting incidents were reported at several industrial units in Sector-63. In Block A, heavy stone-pelting targeted the factory situated adjacent to the Lava Mobile Phones manufacturing unit. Also in Sector-63, rioters attempted to break into and set fire to a chemical factory, but the police and fire brigade personnel stationed there successfully drove the miscreants away.
In Sector-1 of the Phase-1 industrial area, workers set fire to a car in Sector-6 and a police ‘Leopard’ patrol bike in Sector-1. By late evening, in addition to vandalizing and pelting stones at over 500 industrial units and the Sector-63 police station, the protesters had torched more than 20 vehicles and damaged numerous others.
The rioters also misbehaved with and clashed with media personnel. Currently, in addition to contingents of the PAC (Provincial Armed Constabulary) and other security forces, additional police personnel have been summoned and deployed from the Ghaziabad Commissionerate to Noida.
Administration Fails to Anticipate Situation Despite Warnings
Workers across Noida’s industrial units had been demanding wage hikes for several days leading up to these incidents. The workers had issued a warning as early as Saturday that if their demands were not met, a major protest would be staged on Monday; however, the police and administration completely failed to anticipate the situation. The employers allege that the workers’ demands had, in fact, been accepted, but this information was not conveyed to them in a timely manner. Consequently, the workers became agitated.
Protests Also Held in Palwal, Faridabad, and Bhiwadi
In Prithla—an industrial zone in Palwal—female employees of the Sai Auto Company blocked the Delhi-Agra National Highway-19 for two and a half hours, lifting the blockade only after receiving assurances of a wage hike. In Sector-37, Faridabad, employees of the Motherson Group—a factory manufacturing electrical cables—staged a protest for two hours. Meanwhile, in Bhiwadi, contract workers held a demonstration in the Pathredi industrial area.
What Are the Workers’ Key Demands?
A monthly wage of ₹12,000 for unskilled workers and ₹20,000 for skilled workers.
Double pay for overtime work.
Payment of wages by the 10th of every month.
One day of weekly leave.
Payment of bonuses by November.
A safe working environment and proper facilities.
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