Violent protests erupted in Noida as a wave of agitation demanding increased minimum wages spread from Gurugram’s industrial sector. The unrest began in Gurugram on April 3, when thousands of workers at the Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) plant in Industrial Model Township (IMT), Manesar, staged a protest outside the facility. They called for a significant wage hike, which catalysed similar demonstrations across various companies in the area.

The agitation witnessed rapid expansion, with approximately a dozen companies in IMT Manesar joining the movement. Workers raised their voices against stagnating wages amid rising living costs. A report by India Today highlighted their struggles, revealing how some workers were surviving on Rs 11,000 per month while managing family expenses, such as children’s education and increasing rents.

Initially, the Haryana government responded to these concerns by announcing a wage revision on April 8, which aimed to ameliorate the financial conditions of both unskilled and skilled workers. However, the communication of this wage increase was reportedly inadequate, leading to misunderstandings and continued unrest among the workers.

Escalation of Violence in IMT Manesar

Despite the government’s wage adjustments, unrest continued in IMT Manesar, culminating in the district administration imposing prohibitory orders under Section 144. On April 10, police forces confronted striking workers who had gathered at factory gates, leading to a violent response from authorities through a lathi charge. This sparked chaos, resulting in protesters setting police vehicles ablaze and vandalising property within the industrial complex.

As tensions mounted, authorities initiated a crackdown on those allegedly involved in the violence, using CCTV footage to identify approximately 56 individuals. These individuals were subsequently arrested and taken into custody. While the atmosphere in IMT Manesar has since stabilised, underlying frustration persists among workers, prompting calls for another protest in Gurugram scheduled for April 16.

The Haryana government later declared a 35 per cent increase in minimum wages, effective from April 1. According to the announcement, unskilled workers were to earn Rs 15,220, semi-skilled workers Rs 16,780.74, skilled workers Rs 18,500.81, and highly skilled workers Rs 19,425.85, creating a standard structure aimed at alleviating the economic burden faced by workers.

Spread of Protests to Noida and Beyond

The unrest from Gurugram has since spread to other areas in the National Capital Region, notably Noida and Faridabad. In Noida, protests had reportedly started two to three days prior to April 13, gradually escalating into violent outbreaks. On April 13, demonstrations in Phase 2 turned chaotic, with protesters committing acts of arson, vandalism, and stone pelting.

Protesters entered various industrial sites, damaging equipment and disrupting services. This reflected the shared demands expressed in Gurugram, as workers in Noida echoed calls for a wage increase. The unrest affected traffic significantly, with lengthy queues experienced during morning rush hour, stranding numerous commuters along routes leading to Delhi.

Violence was particularly notable in Phase 2 and Sector 60, where vehicles were torched, and property was vandalised. Reports of similar incidents also emerged from Sector 62 and Sector 84, including a site associated with the Motherson Group. Protest actions included blocking National Highway 9, as workers continued to rally for a long-standing demand for wage revisions amidst ongoing tensions in the region.

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