Gautam Buddha Nagar police arrested over 350 people in connection with workers' protests, alleging social media misuse to spread rumours. A high-level committee has been formed by the CM to assess the situation as protests continue.
Over 350 arrested, police cite social media misuse
Gautam Buddha Nagar Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) on Tuesday said that over 350 people have been arrested in connection with the recent Workers' protests, alleging that several individuals were "misusing" social media platforms to spread rumours and misinformation. Speaking to reporters, ACP Rajeev Narain Mishra said that a section of people had been actively circulating false information through newly created digital networks, including WhatsApp bots and social media platforms, and a case was filed against them.
High-level committee formed
He said, "We arrested over 350 people. Some were misusing social media, spreading rumours, and providing false information. Some were spreading misleading information through newly created WhatsApp bots and Twitter. Considering the sensitivity of this, a case has been filed against them. Today, workers are returning to work in many companies. In some places, some workers came and demanded that their demands be met. We have discussed with them patiently and explained it to them." He informed that the Chief Minister has formed a high-level committee and the committee made a physical visit on Monday to assess. "The Chief Minister has formed a high-level committee. That committee made a physical visit yesterday, and many decisions have been made in the interest of the workers...We have CCTV footage and digital evidence, and those who have been caught were involved in some kind of disturbance, engaging in antisocial activities, blocking national highways, and state highways..." Mishra added.
Protests continue despite wage hike
Workers' protests continued on Tuesday in the Hosiery Complex in Phase 2 in Noida, despite the state government announcing a wage hike for workers. Police personnel were deployed at the spot. The workers have been demanding an increase in minimum wages. On Monday, the protests turned violent after an altercation with the police. The protesters pelted stones and torched vehicles, and were set on fire after an altercation with police.
Rahul Gandhi weighs in on workers' distress
Meanwhile, standing with the protesting workers, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi described their agitation over minimum wage demands as a reflection of wider economic distress faced by labourers. In a post on X, Congress MP wrote, "What happened yesterday on the roads of Noida was the final cry of this country's workers--one whose every voice was ignored, who grew weary from endless pleading. A worker in Noida earns a monthly salary of Rs 12,000; rent costs Rs 4,000-7,000. By the time he gets a Rs 300 annual raise, the landlord hikes the rent by ₹500 a year." (ANI)
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)