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‘Pakistan link’ to Noida workers’ protest under probe: UP minister
Labour Minister Anil Rajbhar points to a 'larger conspiracy' meant to disrupt UP's development; calls out anti-national forces.
During the protests in Noida, Monday. (Express Photo)
Uttar Pradesh Labour Minister Anil Rajbhar on Monday said the violent protests in Noida are being investigated as part of a “larger conspiracy”, with agencies also examining a “possible Pakistan link”.
“The incident appears to have been carried out with the intention of disrupting the development, and law and order of the state. Recently, four suspected terrorists, with links to Pakistan-based handlers, have been arrested from Meerut and Noida. In such a situation, the possibility of a conspiracy to create instability in the state gains strength. Agencies are investigating the entire matter,” Rajbhar said.
The minister’s statement comes days after the arrest of four suspected terrorists from Meerut and Noida, who, according to officials, had connections with handlers based in Pakistan.
Police personnel resort to a lathi charge on protesters demanding a salary hike, in Noida. (Source: PTI Photo)
Rajbhar also claimed the unrest could have been aimed at disrupting a programme attended by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Muzaffarnagar earlier in the day.
Alleging the role of “anti-national forces”, Rajbhar said, “Forces troubled by the growing popularity of the double-engine government are conspiring to create instability.”
Appealing for calm, the minister urged workers not to be influenced by rumours or provocation.
“They should not fall prey to any misleading information or provocation and must maintain peace,” Rajbhar said, adding, “Chaos and aggressive protests are not a solution to any problem. The government is ready to listen to every concern of the workers.”
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Noida: Factory workers during a protest demanding a hike in wages. (PTI Photo)
On the steps taken by the administration, he said, “On the instructions of the chief minister, senior officials have been sent to Noida. They are directly interacting with workers and trying to resolve their issues.”
Reiterating the government’s stance on labour welfare, Rajbhar said, “Workers have played an important role in the development of Uttar Pradesh and the government is fully committed to their welfare. By implementing the resolve of ‘Shramev Jayate’ on the ground, we are continuously working for their well-being.”
He added that the government remains committed to workers’ demands and emphasised dialogue as the way forward.
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