Daijiworld Media Network - Noida
Noida, Apr 14: Uttar Pradesh Labour Minister Anil Rajbhar on Monday termed the violence during workers’ protests in Noida a “well-planned conspiracy,” adding that agencies are probing a possible Pakistan link in light of recent terror-related arrests in the region.
The minister said preliminary findings suggest the unrest may have been aimed at disrupting law and order and development in the state. He noted that four suspected terrorists were recently arrested from Noida and Meerut, with alleged links to handlers based in Pakistan, strengthening suspicions of a broader conspiracy.
Rajbhar’s remarks came after protests by factory workers demanding a wage hike turned violent across several areas, including Phase-2, Sector 60, Sector 62 and Sector 84. Incidents of arson, vandalism and stone-pelting were reported, with vehicles torched, property damaged and traffic severely affected.
Police deployed heavy force and used tear gas to disperse crowds and restore control.
Authorities have arrested around 300 people in connection with the violence, while over 100 others have been detained for questioning. CCTV footage from factories is being scanned to identify those involved.
The minister further alleged that the unrest may have been intended to disrupt a programme of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Muzaffarnagar, accusing “anti-national forces” of attempting to create instability.
He urged workers to maintain peace and not fall prey to misinformation or provocation, assuring that the government is open to dialogue and ready to address their concerns.
Senior officials have been deployed on the Chief Minister’s directions and are engaging with workers to resolve grievances through talks. Authorities reiterated that dialogue remains the preferred approach, stressing that violent protests are not a solution.
Seven cases have been registered across police stations in the Gautam Buddh Nagar commissionerate, with several individuals taken into custody.
The unrest, now in its fourth day as of April 13, was largely triggered by demands for wage parity following a recent pay hike in neighbouring Haryana, along with concerns over rising inflation.
According to police, around 40,000 to 45,000 workers gathered at over 80 locations across the district, leading to widespread disruption. Officials said the situation worsened in areas like Sector-63 and near industrial units, where some elements resorted to violence.
Police Commissioner Laxmi Singh said that after initial peaceful dispersal, some outsiders entered border areas and attempted to incite tension. Several of them have been detained, and efforts are underway to identify others.
Authorities said the situation is now under control, with heavy deployment of police and paramilitary forces, while efforts continue to restore normalcy. Four out of five demands raised by workers have been accepted, and a high-level committee has been formed to address the remaining issues.