Daijiworld Meida Network - Noida

Noida, Apr 14: Fresh violence broke out in parts of Noida on Tuesday as workers protesting over low wages clashed with police, with incidents of stone-pelting reported from Sector 80 and adjoining areas.

Police said the situation escalated after miscreants allegedly tried to take advantage of the protest, leading to clashes and forcing security personnel to disperse the crowd. Another incident was reported from Garhi Chaukhandi village in Sector 121, where protesters targeted a police vehicle despite heavy deployment.

Earlier, workers had gathered peacefully, demanding a minimum monthly wage of Rs 20,000. However, tensions flared as protests intensified, with reports of vandalism and stone-pelting also emerging from residential areas where domestic workers were staging demonstrations.

Workers from an industrial unit had also raised concerns over wage disparities, alleging that skilled and unskilled labourers were being paid similar allowances. Some claimed that employees were terminated within months and rehired to avoid benefit hikes, while others highlighted a drop in hourly wages after apprenticeship periods.

The unrest, which entered its second day, saw participation from nearly 45,000 workers across multiple locations in the commissionerate on Monday. Violence had earlier been reported from Sector 63 and near industrial premises.

Heavy security deployment has been put in place, with multiple forces stationed in sensitive areas and drone surveillance being carried out. Senior officials are closely monitoring the situation.

Police have registered seven cases and detained over 300 individuals in connection with earlier incidents of arson and vandalism. Authorities have also acted against social media accounts for allegedly spreading misinformation.

Appealing for calm, Director General of Police Rajeev Krishna said strict action would be taken against those involved in violence, while assuring that the situation remains under control.