Delhi Police on high alert after Noida protest turns violent, force deployed on key border points

NEW DELHI/NOIDA: Delhi Police has been placed on high alert after a protest by factory workers in neighbouring Noida turned violent, prompting authorities to tighten security at key entry points to the national capital, officials said on Monday.A large number of workers from various industrial units had gathered to press for their long-pending demand for salary revision and raised slogans during the demonstration. However, the protest escalated into violence, with incidents of arson, vandalism and stone-pelting reported from Noida’s Phase 2 and Sector 60 areas.According to police sources, multiple teams have been deployed at all motorable routes connecting Noida to different parts of Delhi, especially at key border points with Uttar Pradesh, to prevent any spillover of unrest.Senior officers said a strict vigil is being maintained, with thorough vehicle checks being conducted to ensure that no anti-social elements enter the city under the guise of the protest."Delhi Police is fully alert and vigilant. Adequate force has been deployed at all strategic locations. No one will be allowed to breach law and order," a senior police officer said.Barricading has been intensified at key border points, and additional personnel, including rapid response teams and paramilitary forces, have been deployed to respond swiftly to any untoward incident.Police officers said they are closely monitoring the situation and are in touch with their Uttar Pradesh counterparts.Meanwhile, several thousand commuters were left stranded in massive traffic jams on roads leading into the national capital.(With agency inputs)