Uttar Pradesh Labour Minister Anil Rajbhar on Monday described the violence during workers’ protests in Noida as a “well-planned conspiracy,” adding that authorities are also investigating a possible Pakistan link following recent terror-related arrests in the region. Police have so far arrested around 300 people in connection with the unrest.
The minister said that, according to the preliminary findings, the incident may have been intended to create instability. Rajbhar also pointed out that four terror suspects were recently arrested from Noida and Meerut, with alleged links to handlers based in Pakistan.
“The incident appears to have 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, whose links were connected to handlers based in Pakistan. In such a situation, the possibility of a conspiracy to create instability in the state gains strength. Agencies are seriously investigating the entire matter,” Rajbhar said in a statement Monday night.
His remarks came after protests by factory workers demanding a wage hike spiralled into violence across several parts of Noida, including Phase-2, Sector 60, Sector 62 and Sector 84.
Incidents of arson, vandalism and stone-pelting were reported, with vehicles set ablaze, property damaged and major routes witnessing severe traffic disruption. Police rushed to the spot and deployed heavy force to bring the situation under control, also using tear gas to disperse crowds.
AROUND 300 ARRESTED, 100 DETAINED
Meanwhile, police have arrested around 300 people so far in connection with incidents of arson and vandalism, while over 100 others have been detained for questioning. Authorities are also scanning CCTV footage from factories to identify those involved in the unrest.
The minister also said the unrest may also have been intended to disrupt Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s programme in Muzaffarnagar earlier in the day, alleging that “anti-national forces” were trying to create instability in the state.
He urged workers to remain calm and not be swayed by provocation or misinformation.
“They should not fall prey to any misleading information or provocation and must maintain peace. Chaos and aggressive protests are not a solution to any problem. The government is ready to listen to every concern of the workers,” Rajbhar said.
The minister informed that, on the chief minister’s directions, senior officials have been rushed to Noida and are engaging directly with workers to resolve their grievances through dialogue, with administrative and police personnel already on the ground closely monitoring the situation.
He said that by putting the principle of “Shramev Jayate” into practice on the ground, the government is consistently working for the welfare of workers, adding that dialogue remains the preferred approach for resolving disputes.
“Anarchy and violent protests are not the solution to any problem. The government is ready to listen to your concerns,” he said.
Authorities said the situation in Noida is under control, with heavy deployment of police and paramilitary forces, while efforts continue to restore normalcy in the affected areas.
7 FIRs REGISTERED
Seven cases have been registered across various police stations in the Gautam Buddh Nagar Commissionerate, with “several anti-social elements” taken into custody in the aftermath of the unrest, police said.
The unrest, which entered its fourth consecutive day as of April 13, was largely triggered by a recent wage hike in neighbouring Haryana, sparking demands for pay parity and relief from rising inflation.
WHAT HAPPENED DURING NOIDA WORKERS’ PROTEST?
According to a police statement, around 40,000 to 45,000 workers from various sectors gathered at more than 80 locations across the commissionerate on Monday, leading to disruptions and law-and-order issues in parts of the district.
Officials said the situation deteriorated at certain locations, particularly in Sector-63 and near the Motherson company premises, where some “unruly” elements resorted to violence.
“After the labourers dispersed peacefully, a group from outside the district arrived in the areas bordering neighbouring districts. They moved around attempting to incite tension and provoke violence. We have taken some members of this group into custody, and we are identifying the remaining individuals to initiate appropriate action against them,” Gautam Buddh Nagar Police Commissioner Laxmi Singh told reporters on Monday night.
Police further stated that four out of five demands raised by the workers have been accepted. A high-level committee has been formed to address the remaining issues, and one meeting has already been held.
Maintaining that the situation is now fully under control, Gautam Buddh Nagar Police appealed to the public to avoid rumours and cooperate with the administration in maintaining peace and order.
– Ends
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