Concerns Raised Over Potential Revival of Naxalism Amid Noida Workers’ Protests
Protests for Wage Increase in Noida
Workers in Noida Phase 2 have been actively protesting for a wage hike as their demonstrations entered the fourth day. A large number of workers gathered on Monday morning to voice their long-standing demand for salary revision, chanting slogans during the protest.
However, the situation escalated as reports indicate that some protesters allegedly engaged in violent actions, including vandalism, stone-pelting, and setting a vehicle on fire.
CM Yogi Adityanath’s Statement
In response to the unrest, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed his concerns during a review meeting held on Sunday night. He suggested that there may be a “larger conspiracy” aimed at reviving Naxalism, a movement the government claims is nearly eradicated in India.
Adityanath urged authorities to stay vigilant against what he terms “disruptive elements,” emphasizing that while labor welfare is a priority, there are indications that “certain forces” may be exploiting worker unrest to create disturbances in law and order.
“Naxalism in the country is now nearly finished, but attempts to revive it could be part of a larger conspiracy,” Adityanath noted. He expressed concerns about the involvement of misleading and disruptive elements in recent protests.
Measures for Industrial Areas
To maintain order, officials in industrial regions such as Gautam Buddh Nagar, Ghaziabad, Kanpur, Meerut, Firozabad, Moradabad, Varanasi, and Gorakhpur have been instructed to enhance their alertness regarding the ongoing protests.
The Chief Minister directed officials to respond swiftly to the protests by initiating direct dialogue with industry bodies, managements, and workers within 24 hours to address grievances and to prevent escalation of the situation. He stressed the importance of resolving genuine worker issues through timely, transparent, and fair measures.
Adityanath also called on the administration to identify individuals inciting unrest under the pretense of labor representation. He insisted on heightened surveillance in industrial areas and the activation of intelligence networks to track any provocative or destabilizing activities.
Commitment to Labor Rights
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to labor rights, Adityanath called for strict compliance with labor laws across industrial units, ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and adequate basic facilities for workers.
In light of the protests, police officials reported sufficient deployment of personnel in industrial areas under the Gautam Buddh Nagar Commissionerate, aimed at maintaining public order. Authorities have also urged the public to disregard rumors and assured them that normalcy is being restored in the impacted regions.
