Worker Unrest in NCR Escalates to Violence in Noida

Recent protests by workers in Noida have escalated into violence, with clashes reported during demonstrations over wage disputes. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has called for peace and reassured workers of government support. Meanwhile, opposition leaders criticize the government's handling of the situation, highlighting issues of rising inflation and wage exploitation. The protests have caused significant traffic disruptions, stranding commuters and leading to property damage. As tensions rise, the government has deployed additional police forces to manage the unrest. Read on for a detailed account of the events unfolding in Noida.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 13, 2026, 16:34 IST

Violence Erupts Amid Worker Discontent in Noida

A surge of discontent among workers in the NCR region has escalated into violence in Noida, prompting Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to call for peace and reassure workers that the government stands with them. While addressing a rally in Muzaffarnagar, Yogi adopted a firm stance, appealing directly to workers amidst rising tensions. He stated that the dual-engine government, under the Prime Minister's leadership, is establishing a model of safety, good governance, and service. Furthermore, he mentioned that certain individuals are conspiring to spread unrest and hinder the state's progress towards peace and prosperity.

Government's Response to Worker Protests

Yogi urged all employees and laborers to remember that the dual-engine government is always by their side, recalling how the government facilitated transportation for workers to return home during the COVID-19 pandemic. On the other hand, Ajay Rai, the President of the Uttar Pradesh Congress, criticized the state government's handling of the protests in Noida, describing the scenes outside the Madrasan Group factory as alarming. In a post on social media, Rai pointed out that rising inflation and alleged wage exploitation are driving workers to the streets. He emphasized that advertisements cannot fill empty stomachs, and tear gas cannot alleviate hunger, urging Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to address the workers' demands rather than resorting to force.

Violent Clashes During Wage Protest

Violence erupted on Monday during protests by factory workers demanding wage increases, with incidents of vehicles being set ablaze and property damage reported in Noida's Phase-2 and Sector-60 areas, according to police. The protests led to severe traffic disruptions, stranding thousands of commuters on various routes to Delhi during peak morning hours. Long queues of vehicles were observed stretching several kilometers at the Delhi-Noida border. According to officials, employees from various industrial units gathered in large numbers in the morning, chanting slogans and demonstrating for their long-overdue wage revisions. Protests also began early in the day in Sector-62 and Sector-84, with demonstrators blocking National Highway-9. The situation quickly turned violent, with some protesters vandalizing property, throwing stones, and setting vehicles on fire. Authorities confirmed that adequate police forces have been deployed in the industrial areas under the Gautam Buddha Nagar Commissionerate.