Protests by industrial workers in Noida turned widespread and violent on Monday (April 13) with thousands of workers raising their voice against low wages, lack of weekly leave and poor working conditions. The protests started mainly in industrial areas like Phase-2 and Sector-63, which later turned into violent incidents at many places. However, after the meeting with the high-level committee constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government, the process of dialogue has started and several further rounds of talks are proposed. According to the information, 300 people involved in the violent incidents have been arrested.
The protesting workers say that the current wage structure is not in line with rising inflation. Most workers have a monthly income of between Rs 10,000 and Rs 15,000, which they consider inadequate for basic needs. In the meeting with the committee, labor representatives demanded an increase in wages from Rs 18,000 to Rs 20,000, a mandatory holiday in the week and ensuring better facilities at workplaces.
The workers also clarified that the issue is not limited to wages alone. He also highlighted issues like long working hours, non-payment of overtime and lack of respectful treatment. Many workers said that double pay for overtime was not being implemented as per the rules.
Government officials said that this meeting was organized to listen to all the parties, workers, industry management and labor organizations. The committee assured that the demands of the workers will be seriously considered and concrete decisions will be taken soon.
Protests turned violent in many areas on Monday. More than 50 factories and 150 vehicles were damaged in incidents of stone pelting, vandalism and arson. To control the situation, the police had to resort to lathi charge and tear gas, due to which the traffic system was also badly affected. However, Noida Police has arrested around 300 people by conducting a raid operation overnight, while more than 100 people have been detained for questioning. Police have seized the mobile phones of the accused and their forensic investigation is being done. The cyber cell is monitoring inflammatory posts and rumors on social media.
Noida Police Commissioner Lakshmi Singh has warned, “If anyone is found involved in disrupting public order or taking law into their own hands, strict action will be taken against them.” At the same time, Uttar Pradesh Labor Minister Anil Rajbhar termed the violence as a well-planned conspiracy and said, “It appears that this incident has been carried out with the intention of disrupting the development and law and order of the state. In recent days, four suspected terrorists have been arrested from Meerut and Noida, who had links with Pakistan-based operators. In such a situation, the possibility of a conspiracy to create instability in the state increases even more. The agencies are investigating the entire matter seriously. Are doing.”
He urged the workers to remain calm and not be influenced by provocations or misinformation. Rajbhar said, “They should not fall prey to any misinformation or instigation and should maintain peace. Anarchy and aggressive protests are not the solution to any problem. The government is ready to listen to every concern of the workers.”
According to the police, around 40,000 to 45,000 workers had gathered at more than 80 places, affecting the law and order situation. Officials said that now the situation is completely under control and people have been appealed not to pay attention to rumours.
Gautam Buddha Nagar Police Commissioner Lakshmi Singh told reporters on Monday night, “After the workers dispersed peacefully, a group from outside the district reached areas adjoining the neighboring districts. They were moving around in an attempt to incite tension and violence. We have taken some members of this group into custody and the remaining persons will be identified and appropriate action will be initiated against them.”
Police also said that out of the five demands raised by the workers, four have been accepted. A high level committee has been formed to resolve the remaining issues and one of its meetings has already been held. The government has appealed to the workers to express their views peacefully and return to work, and has also assured that appropriate action will be taken on their demands.
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