Delhi Union of Journalists (DUJ) Statement on NOIDA Workers

The Delhi Union of Journalists (DUJ), condemns the severe police action against striking factory workers of NOIDA and the attack on some reporters covering the protests on April 13, 2026. Reporters were also reportedly lathicharged and Dainik Bhaskar reporter Saket Anand was hit by a danda.

Some 350 workers have been arrested for vandalism and arson and another 100 detained for questioning, as per reports. Some CITU leaders are also stated to be under house arrest and reporters are not being allowed to meet them.

An estimated 45,000 workers, both women and men, have been on strike for several days demanding better wages. The administration and factory managements largely ignored the protests until desperate workers blocked major roads on April 13. The massive traffic jams between Delhi and NOIDA finally forced the media to cover the protests, especially as a few vehicles were burnt and some factories attacked.

Simultaneously, what could turn out to be a spontaneous movement is emerging among workers in Gautam Budha Nagar in parts, amidst workers’ demands and sharp rise in the prices of essential commodities. It is a matter of record that a protest delegation of CITU Delhi-NCR Committee and Kisan Sabha leaders staged a protest and sit-in at the District Magistrate’s office today.

In the District Magistrate’s absence, the delegation submitted a memorandum to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), warning that if the trade union leaders were not released and the workers were not included in the negotiations, CITU would launch a widespread and sustained movement throughout Gautam Buddha Nagar, for which the Uttar Pradesh government would be fully responsible. It is also understood that the rise in cooking gas prices is aggravating the situation.

Yogi Adityanath