Noida turns fortress ahead of Labour Day, weeks after violent protests
To maintain law and order, the district has been divided into 11 zones and 49 sectors, with Noida Zone comprising four zones and 16 sectors, Central Noida holding three zones and 24 sectors, and Greater Noida consisting of four zones and nine sectors.
The Gautam Buddha Nagar Police Commissionerate has implemented a massive security blanket across the district ahead of International Workers' Day also known as May Day or, enforcing Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) from April 30 to May 8. The development came after Gautam Buddha Nagar, as well as several parts of Noida, were hit by violent workers’ protests a few weeks back.
To maintain law and order, the district has been divided into 11 zones and 49 sectors, with Noida Zone comprising four zones and 16 sectors, Central Noida holding three zones and 24 sectors, and Greater Noida consisting of four zones and nine sectors.
A formidable force of over 1,600 personnel, including 6 SP-rank officers, 14 Additional SPs, 30 ACPs, 65 Inspectors, 400 Sub-Inspectors, and 1,100 Constables, alongside 10 companies of the PAC, has been deployed to ensure safety.
Authorities are utilising advanced surveillance technology, including drones and CCTV cameras, to monitor over 50 identified sensitive areas.
Under the prohibitory orders of Section 163, the assembly of five or more persons in public places and the taking out of processions without prior permission are strictly banned.
Additionally, a strict no-fly zone for drones has been established within a one-kilometre radius of government offices. The Media Cell of the Gautam Buddha Nagar Police Commissionerate has urged citizens to follow the guidelines to ensure a peaceful environment during this period.
VIOLENT WORKERS' PROTESTS ROCKED NOIDA
A violent workers’ protest broke out in Noida over the demand for a wage hike on April 13. The protests follow a three-day, mostly peaceful labour-union strike in the city.
As part of the protests, large groups of factory workers blocked key roads, triggering massive traffic jams on the Delhi-Noida border, while police were forced to use mild force to disperse the protesters.
The unrest intensified in the Phase 2 area, particularly in Sectors 1 and 84. In Sectors 59 and 60 of Noida, agitating workers have allegedly vandalised two vehicles by smashing their windows and set two motorcycles on fire.
The protestors also threw stones at the security personnel who tried to bring the situation under control.