Five vehicles, including a police jeep, set ablaze; thousands of workers in Noida stand firm on demands for wage hikes; Delhi Police on high alert.

The violent protests by workers across various sectors of Noida have now emerged as a major challenge to law and order. The agitation, which began on Monday morning, escalated in intensity as the day progressed.

In a rapidly unfolding sequence of events, protesters—who had taken to the streets to press for demands ranging from wage hikes to other grievances—set fire to five vehicles, including two police cars. Reports of stone-pelting have also emerged from several locations. In light of these developments, the Delhi Police has now shifted into “alert mode” as a precautionary measure.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has issued strict directives to ensure dignified remuneration, a safe working environment, and the timely redressal of grievances for workers within the state’s industrial zones.

Attacks on Companies Found Open

Amidst the unrest, factories located within the Hazari Complex in Noida’s Phase-2 area that were found open or operational today were subjected to vandalism. Anarchic elements, hiding behind the workers, barged into these companies, wreaked havoc, and caused extensive damage to property. During this rampage, workers also stormed into a factory owned by BJP leader Sanjay Bali—upon finding it operational—and proceeded to vandalize the premises.

Protest Demanding Wage Revisions

According to police sources, a large number of laborers from various industrial units gathered to press for long-pending wage revisions. They chanted slogans during the demonstration; however, the protest subsequently turned violent, with incidents of arson, vandalism, and stone-pelting being reported in the Phase-2 and Sector-60 areas of Noida.

Tight Security at Delhi Borders

The police stated that multiple teams have been deployed across all motorable roads connecting Noida to various parts of Delhi, with a particular focus on key border points shared with Uttar Pradesh. Senior officials affirmed that strict vigilance is being maintained, and vehicles are undergoing rigorous checks to prevent any anti-social elements from infiltrating the city under the guise of participating in the protests.

A senior Delhi Police official told a news agency that the force remains fully alert and vigilant. Adequate personnel have been deployed at all strategic locations, and authorities have vowed that law and order will not be allowed to be compromised.

Barricading Intensified; Additional Forces Deployed

Barricading has been increased at major border points, and additional personnel—including Rapid Response Teams and paramilitary forces—have been deployed to ensure immediate action can be taken in the event of any untoward incident. Police officials stated that the situation is being constantly monitored, and operations are being conducted in coordination with the Uttar Pradesh Police.

Public Inconvenienced by Massive Traffic Jams

The protest, which began on Monday morning, escalated into a volatile situation by the afternoon. Almost instantly, long queues of vehicles formed at major intersections across Noida. Delhi, too, was not spared from the impact; long lines of cars and other vehicles stretched across several key roads. Consequently, office-goers faced significant difficulties in reaching their workplaces.

People were seen traversing distances on foot across virtually every road. The number of protesters in Noida—who are agitating for better wages—is estimated to be around 50,000. Meanwhile, senior police officials were observed at various locations attempting to reason with the workers, advising them to stage their protest peacefully.