Protests in Noida: UP Government Responds with Action Plan

Protests by factory workers in Noida escalated into violence on Monday, prompting a response from the Uttar Pradesh government. Rajeev Krishna, the Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police, stated that police are identifying individuals who allegedly incited the unrest and warned that strict measures will follow against them. "Provocative elements and external actors" are being traced in connection to the disturbances, Krishna confirmed. The situation was being monitored closely by senior police officials from the control room.

Violence broke out as workers, demanding salary increases, engaged in protests near Phase 2 and Sector 60, with reports of vehicles being torched and property vandalised. The unrest disrupted traffic significantly, stranding thousands of commuters during the morning rush hour, particularly at the Delhi-Noida border, where long queues formed.

Authorities have assured that adequate police deployment is in place across industrial areas under the Gautam Buddh Nagar Commissionerate to maintain public order. Officials emphasised that the situation remains under control and advised the public to refrain from believing unverified rumours. The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath remarked on the challenges facing industrial development and appealed for vigilance against attempts to incite unrest.

During the unveiling of 423 development projects in Muzaffarnagar, Adityanath highlighted the progress in the state but cautioned against conspiracies aimed at creating disorder. He urged industrial workers to remember the support provided to them during the COVID-19 pandemic. "The government will stand by workers and ensure their proper remuneration," he stated.

Incidents of vandalism occurred during the protests, particularly at an IT company in Noida’s Sector 63. Security personnel and employees faced abusive treatment as protests turned hostile, with female employees narrowly escaping harm. CCTV footage from the incident has begun to circulate on social media.

The state government has established a committee tasked with resolving the ongoing industrial discord in Gautam Buddh Nagar, focusing on maintaining smooth operations within local industries through discussion and co-ordination. This committee will report back with recommendations on urgent issues.

Officials have indicated that an investigation will be conducted concerning any potential political motives or vested interests in the unrest. The messaging from the government reflects a commitment to maintaining order, declaring that "anarchy will not be tolerated in Uttar Pradesh."

Opposition figures have weighed in on the protests, with Akhilesh Yadav, leader of the Samajwadi Party, criticising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government for failing to address economic injustices. Yadav stated, "Injustice has reached its peak under the BJP government," referencing rising inflation and unemployment. He attributed the unrest to the administration’s failures and highlighted disparities in wage increases in comparison to other states.

The Uttar Pradesh Police have noted that some protestors may have been instigated from outside the state and affirmed that only minimum force was employed to manage the situation, denying any reports of shooting. Authorities also issued warnings against spreading false information related to the protests.

In response to the unrest, Yogi Adityanath has directed the labour department to form a committee aimed at addressing the wage demands of workers. This committee will be led by the Industrial Development Commissioner, supported by key members from various labour and entrepreneurs’ associations.

Noida Police have also taken legal action against individuals spreading misinformation about casualties related to the protests, following claims circulated on social media. Auto components manufacturer Motherson Sumi Wiring India Ltd has asserted that its operations continue to comply with all relevant laws, maintaining that the protests have had no significant impact on their business activities.