Noida protests: Is Pakistan involved in workers unrest in UP’s Electronic City? Here's what minister said

Uttar Pradesh Labour Minister Anil Rajbhar on Monday described the violence during workers’ protests in Noida as a “well-planned conspiracy” and said a possible Pakistan link is also being investigated in light of recent terror-related arrests in the region.

"The incident appears to have been carried out with the intention of disrupting the development and law and order of the state. In recent days, four suspected terrorists have been arrested from Meerut and Noida, whose links were connected to handlers based in Pakistan. In such a situation, the possibility of a conspiracy to create instability in the state gains strength. Agencies are seriously investigating the entire matter," Rajbhar said in a statement Monday night.

His remarks came after protests by factory workers demanding a wage hike turned violent in several parts of Noida, including Phase-2, Sector 60, Sector 62 and Sector 84, with incidents of arson, vandalism and stone-pelting reported. Vehicles were set on fire and property damaged, while traffic was severely disrupted on key routes.


The minister said the unrest may also have been intended to disrupt Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s programme in Muzaffarnagar earlier in the day, alleging that “anti-national forces” were trying to create instability in the state.

He appealed to workers to maintain peace and urged them not to fall prey to provocation or misinformation.

"They should not fall prey to any misleading information or provocation and must maintain peace. Chaos and aggressive protests are not a solution to any problem. The government is ready to listen to every concern of the workers," Rajbhar said.