Authorities in Noida, India deployed tear gas Monday to disperse factory workers whose labor demonstration entered its fourth day and escalated into violent confrontations, according to local police reports.
The industrial suburb near India’s capital witnessed scenes of chaos as demonstrators overturned and burned vehicles while hurling rocks at law enforcement officers throughout the satellite city.
Noida ranks among Asia’s most significant planned industrial centers, hosting thousands of manufacturing facilities across its territory.
The unrest comes amid rising living expenses worldwide, attributed to supply chain disruptions from ongoing conflicts affecting fuel availability. Similar worker demonstrations in Haryana state’s automotive sector recently prompted government officials to approve a 35% increase in minimum wage standards.
Vinay Mahoti, a 30-year-old employee from Bihar state working at a local textile manufacturer, explained his participation in the movement began within his workplace before joining street demonstrations with workers from other companies.
“Duty hours should be fixed, overtime hours should be paid, and companies…should adhere to the guidelines laid by the federal government,” he stated when outlining the protesters’ demands.
Video footage captured dozens of demonstrators marching through streets while chanting demands as riot-equipped security forces monitored the situation.
Additional recordings showed burning overturned vehicles and protesters attempting to breach police barriers while throwing projectiles.
Law enforcement officials confirmed they employed “minimum force” tactics to preserve public order, while Narendra Kashyap, a regional legislator representing Uttar Pradesh state, encouraged demonstrators to pursue dialogue with government representatives.
“Senior police and administrative officials are making persistent efforts to counsel the workers and urge them to maintain peace and restraint,” Gautam Budh Nagar police stated in their official announcement.
