Workers’ protest turns violent in UP, exposes deepening economic distress in India
New Delhi: In India, a protest by industrial workers demanding a wage hike turned violent in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, highlighting growing economic discontent and governance challenges under the BJP-led administration.
According to Kashmir Media Service, hundreds of workers took to the streets across key industrial sectors of Noida, including Phase 2 and Sectors 59 to 63, demanding a revision in minimum wages. The agitation soon escalated into violence, with protesters clashing with police and torching vehicles in multiple locations.
Reports said that in Sector 63, a mob attacked a Maruti Suzuki service centre, setting several vehicles ablaze and damaging dozens of others. Similar incidents of arson and vandalism were reported in Sector 84 and Phase 2, where motorcycles, private cars and even a police vehicle were targeted. Stone-pelting during clashes left several people, including police personnel, injured.
The authorities deployed heavy contingents of security forces, including the Provincial Armed Constabulary and the Rapid Action Force, to bring the situation under control. More than 50 individuals have been arrested in connection with the violence.
The unrest brought normal life to a standstill, with major roads, including the Noida link road, Chilla Border, DND Flyway and Delhi-Meerut Expressway, witnessing massive traffic congestion as protesters blocked key routes.
The protests in Noida followed similar labour unrest in Haryana’s industrial belt, particularly in Manesar, where strikes had already forced authorities to announce a wage hike. Workers in Noida are now demanding monthly wages between Rs 18,000 and Rs 20,000 amid rising inflation and cost of living.
Political reactions have further intensified the situation. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath termed the violence a conspiracy against development and ordered strict action, while opposition leader Akhilesh Yadav blamed the government’s economic policies and rising inflation for triggering the unrest.
