Gurgaon Workers Defy Prohibitory Orders, Demand Higher Wages in Manesar Protests
In a bold defiance of district administration restrictions, more than 1,000 contractual workers gathered outside factories in Manesar, Gurgaon, on Thursday morning. The protests, aimed at securing an increase in minimum wages, turned violent despite heavy police deployment of over 1,200 personnel in the area.
Violence Erupts as Protesters Vandalize Property and Attack Police
The situation escalated rapidly when workers began pelting stones at vehicles and damaging both public and private property around 9 am. Police vehicles were vandalized, with a motorcycle set on fire, and official cars belonging to the Manesar station house officer and an emergency response vehicle were damaged. Protesters also broke glass panes at several industrial units and attempted to set furniture ablaze, though this was prevented by authorities.
To disperse the agitated crowd, police carried out a mild lathi charge, resulting in injuries to several workers and six police personnel. Key roads near IMT Manesar were blocked, disrupting morning traffic significantly. A case has been registered at IMT Manesar police station against unidentified persons for vandalism and assault on police, though no arrests were made at the time of reporting, with only a few detentions that were later released.
Workers Seek Written Assurances Amid Company Promises
Despite assurances from companies that wages would be increased, workers maintained they had not received formal confirmation, leading to continued unrest. A section of protesters attempted to enter the tehsil office to seek written assurances on the wage hike but were stopped by police and made to sit in a garden outside. Senior police officers, including the DCP Manesar, coordinated with authorities to arrange a meeting where officials assured protesters their demands would be met, after which they dispersed.
A senior police officer explained, "We conveyed workers' demands to the administration and held several meetings. Even after their demands were accepted, some miscreants joined the protest and incited vandalism. We had to use minimal force to protect industrial units and public property." He added that due care was taken during the lathi charge as women were present among the protesters.
Specific Incidents Highlight Escalation and Aftermath
At Modelama company, an emergency response vehicle team came under attack, with protesters hurling bricks and damaging the vehicle's windscreens. Similarly, at Aumovio's unit in Sector 5, attempts to vandalize property were dispersed by police, with many protesters fleeing during the lathi charge, leaving behind slippers and shoes.
A company official stated that management had already issued a notice assuring workers of a pay hike. "Over 200 people gathered outside the gate, but some outsiders joined and aggravated the situation. There was no need for the protest as we had already agreed to their demands," the officer said.
Police spokesperson Sandeep Turan emphasized efforts to maintain law and order, noting, "We made our best efforts to maintain law and order. However, when protesters turned violent and attacked police vehicles, we had to use minimal force." He confirmed no serious injuries were reported and no formal communication from hospitals had been received.
When asked why protests persisted despite assurances, Nathu, a worker from Bihar, cited the lack of written confirmation. While the protests across IMT Manesar were brought under control within an hour, police remained deployed in the area to ensure ongoing law and order.
