Violence breaks out during pay demonstrations in Noida, shutting down activities in a major manufacturing center. Thousands of manufacturing workers fought with police, seeking pay raises that were in line with those in nearby states because inflation was growing.
Incident Overview
Protests started peacefully on April 13, 2026 in Noida’s Phase 2 industrial area but they turned disruptive as there were thousands of people gathering where workers were leaving factories and blocking roads. Hosiery and electronics unit workers among the demonstrators pelted stones, vandalised property and torched vehicles across Sectors 60, 63 and 84. To restore order, the police used tear gas and lathis and deployed in large numbers including PAC and RAF.
Key Demands
Workers are demanding a minimum wage hike to 35%, which includes Haryana’s Rs 19,000 level. The previous threshold was Uttar Pradesh’s Rs 13,000 for workers along with weekly offs and bonuses as well as grievance committees. Tendencies towards agitation reflect stagnant salaries in the face of inflation, poor conditions and inspiration from recent Manesar strikes. Workers at the hosiery factory spearheaded the efforts following four days of unrest.
Affected Areas and Firms
The Noida-Greater Noida belt, a hub for smartphones and components, was rocked by violence in electronics giants like Dixon Technologies, Optiemus Electronics, Lava, OPPO, Vivo and Samsung. Production was stopped, traffic jams formed on Delhi-Noida routes, and panic evacuations took place. Among the torched locations were a Maruti Suzuki workshop and car showroom.
Broader Impact
The disturbance could make investors less sure about Uttar Pradesh’s plans to make semiconductors and gadgets. Similar protests expanded to Faridabad and Gurugram, showing that workers in the area are unhappy. Officials talked to businesspeople and promised to protect their rights, but things are still not back to normal.