Noida workers protest violence: UP minister Anil Rajbhar alleges conspiracy; Pakistan link under probe, 350 arrested

Noida workers' protest: Uttar Pradesh Labour Minister Anil Rajbhar has termed the recent violence during workers’ protests in Noida a “planned conspiracy.” He said authorities are also probing a possible link to Pakistan, especially after the recent arrest of four suspected terrorists from Noida and Meerut. So far, around 350 persons have been arrested in connection with the unrest.

According to the minister, initial findings indicate that the violence may have been aimed at disturbing law and order and slowing down development in the state. He added that the suspected terror links have raised concerns about a larger attempt to create instability. Investigating agencies are currently examining all angles.

His statement came after protests by factory workers demanding higher wages turned violent in several areas of Noida, including Phase-2, Sector 60, Sector 62 and Sector 84. Incidents of arson, vandalism and stone-pelting were reported, with some vehicles set on fire and public property damaged. The unrest also caused major traffic disruptions in key areas.

The police deployed heavy forces to control the situation and used tear gas to disperse the crowd. Along with the 350 arrests, more than 100 persons have been detained for questioning. Officials are also reviewing CCTV footage from nearby factories to identify others involved in the violence.

The minister further claimed that the unrest may have been an attempt to disrupt a scheduled programme of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Muzaffarnagar. He alleged that “anti-national elements” could be behind the disturbances.

Appealing for calm, Rajbhar urged workers not to fall for rumours or provocation. He said the government is open to dialogue and ready to address workers’ concerns, but stressed that violence is not a solution.

Following directions from the CM, senior officials have been sent to Noida to speak directly with workers and resolve issues through discussion. Police and administrative teams remain deployed on the ground to monitor the situation.

Authorities said the situation is now under control, with security tightened across affected areas. Seven FIRs have been registered in the Gautam Buddh Nagar commissionerate, and several people have been taken into custody.

The protests, which entered their fourth day on April 13, were largely triggered by demands for better wages, especially after a recent pay hike in neighbouring Haryana. Workers have been seeking similar benefits and relief from rising inflation.

The police said on Monday, around 40,000 to 45,000 workers gathered at over 80 locations across the district, leading to law and order issues in some areas. The situation worsened in places like Sector 63 and near the Motherson company premises, where some groups turned violent.

Police Commissioner Laxmi Singh said that while most workers dispersed peacefully, some outsiders later entered border areas of neighbouring districts and allegedly tried to provoke violence. Some of them have been detained, and efforts are on to identify others.

Officials also said that out of the five major demands raised by workers, four have already been accepted. A high-level committee has been set up to address the remaining issue, and discussions are ongoing.

The police have urged the public to stay away from rumours and cooperate with authorities to maintain peace in the region.