A workers' protest in Noida's Phase 2 industrial area escalated into arson, stone-throwing, and vandalism on Monday, prompting heavy police deployment and disrupting the city.
Groups of workers blocked key roads in industrial clusters, set vehicles on fire, damaged property, and threw stones during clashes, as the agitation entered its third day.
Police used force to disperse crowds and prevent further escalation, with officials saying the situation was being closely monitored and additional personnel deployed across sensitive zones.
The protests, centered around hosiery and manufacturing units, stem from demands for higher wages and better working conditions, with workers citing wage disparities with neighbouring Haryana as a key reason.
Commuters described the scene as 'unsafe' and 'chaotic', with traffic disruptions causing long snarls on key routes during peak hours.
Efforts are ongoing to de-escalate tensions through dialogue with worker groups, while maintaining law and order, with the district administration reiterating assurances on labour welfare measures.
