April 14, 2026
NEW DELHI – What began as a wage protest in Noida’s industrial belt spiralled into violent street clashes on Monday, with workers torching vehicles, pelting stones at police, and blocking key roads, forcing authorities to deploy heavy force and use tear gas to regain control.
The unrest broke out when a large group of workers gathered to demand a salary hike. The workers at Hosiery Complex in Phase 2 of Uttar Pradesh’s Noida have been protesting, demanding higher wages. The demonstration quickly escalated, with protesters vandalising vehicles and nearby property. At least one vehicle was set ablaze, sending plumes of smoke across the area and heightening panic.
The violence comes a day after District Magistrate Medha Roopam held a meeting with senior labour officials, including the state’s Principal Secretary (Labour) and Labour Commissioner. Issues such as overtime pay, bonuses, weekly holidays, and workplace safety were discussed, with an emphasis on maintaining industrial harmony.
Ahead of the protest, the district administration had also appealed to workers to remain peaceful and ignore rumours. The District Magistrate had also shared helpline numbers for assistance and urged cooperation in maintaining law and order.
Clashes with police, injuries reported
As police moved in to disperse the crowd, confrontations intensified. Protesters hurled stones, prompting police to respond with tear gas to control the situation. Reports indicate that some police personnel sustained injuries during the clashes, though official confirmation is awaited.
Protests spread, roads blocked
The agitation was not confined to one location. After incidents in Phase 2 and Ecotech 3, groups of workers moved towards Sector 15, where they blocked a major intersection, disrupting traffic and raising concerns of a wider flare-up across the industrial hub of Gautam Buddh Nagar.
A large police contingent has been deployed across sensitive areas to prevent further escalation. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as tensions remain high.
