Noida: The residents and commuters in Noida were in for a major shock after the city, which is adjacent to the national capital, witnessed arson and incidents of stone-pelting reported from Phase-2 and Sector 60 areas. The incident resulted in a huge traffic jam since early in the morning.
As per the police, several workers from various industrial units in the area had gathered for a peaceful protest demanding a revision in their salary structure. While initially it was a peaceful protest but soon became violent after some protesters allegedly got involved in damage to property and stone pelting. They also set a vehicle on fire.
Commuters faced inconvenience
Commuters, many of whom were office goers or were going for some other urgent works, faced inconvenience due to the traffic congestion in the impacted areas. Long queues of vehicles were seen for several kilometres. Many commuters were left stranded for hours.
Frustrated by the delay, some commuters also took to social media to vent their anger. Taking to X, one of the users urged the authorities to intervene and clear traffic movements. An employee of a private firm said she left home at 7:30 but got struck due to traffic congestion. “There is no movement at all. People are getting down from vehicles and trying to figure out what’s happening ahead,” she said as per PTI.
Police personnel deployed across industrial zones
Following the development, a large number of police personnel were deployed across industrial zones under the Gautam Buddh Nagar Commissioner’s office. Apart from them, g rapid response teams, paramilitary forces have also been stationed. Several police and administrative officers also reached the affected areas to monitor the situation. Barricades have also been intensified across Noida.
“The situation is under control and being kept under continuous surveillance. Efforts are being made to counsel the workers and maintain peace. Minimum force is being used wherever necessary to maintain law and order,” police said in a statement. Authorities also urged commuters not to pay heed to rumours.
Sharing further details, Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Krishna said that police are identifying those behind the violence during workers’ protests. He also warned that strict action will be taken against those found involved. “Firm legal action will follow once their identities are established,” he said.
Noida violence takes a political turn
The incident also took a political turn. Taking to X, Samajwadi Party chief and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav blamed the BJP government in the state for “one-sided policies” for the violent protests by workers in Noida. “In times of rising inflation, it is extremely difficult for a family to survive on low wages. Only someone running a household can understand this,” h wrote.
Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai also slammed the state government on X. He wrote, “When inflation is breaking people’s backs and workers are being exploited in the name of wages, the youth will be forced to come out on the streets.”