A major labor protest turned violent on Thursday morning at the Hazira facility of ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel in Surat, after thousands of workers demanding higher wages and reduced working hours went on strike. What began as a peaceful work stoppage quickly escalated into chaos, with vehicles set on fire, property damaged, and a senior woman police officer injured during clashes.
Officials said more than 5,000 workers at the under-construction section of the plant abruptly stopped work early in the day. Employees have been protesting recent increases in duty hours without a corresponding pay hike. For weeks, dissatisfaction had been building among contract workers, who claimed that negotiations with management had failed to address their concerns.
Initially, the demonstration remained calm, with workers gathering outside the plant premises. However, tensions surged when a section of protesters allegedly became aggressive. Witnesses reported that more than ten vehicles parked inside the facility were torched, sending thick smoke into the air. Three fire tenders stationed at the plant were vandalized and badly damaged, while several bicycles were also set ablaze.
As the situation spiraled, security personnel struggled to control the crowd. Local police, along with Crime Branch and Special Operations Group teams, rushed to the scene after receiving emergency calls. When officers attempted to disperse the protesters, they reportedly faced stone-pelting and physical attacks.
During the confrontation, a woman Deputy Commissioner of Police sustained injuries. She was immediately taken for medical treatment, and officials later confirmed that her condition is stable. Authorities have not released her identity but described the attack as serious and unacceptable.
Following the violence, heavy police deployment was ordered across the industrial zone to prevent further escalation. Senior officials stated that the situation is now under control, though tensions remain high. Investigations are underway to identify those responsible for arson, vandalism, and assault on police personnel. Industrial operations at the facility have been partially disrupted as a result of the unrest.
Engineering major Larsen & Toubro, which is associated with ongoing construction work at the site, issued a statement urging employees to maintain peace. The company said it would implement all provisions of the new labor codes as soon as they are formally notified by the Gujarat government and emphasized that dialogue remains the best way to resolve disputes.
The incident has once again highlighted the fragile balance between rapid industrial expansion and labor welfare in India’s manufacturing hubs. Experts warn that unresolved wage concerns, longer shifts, and uncertainty around labor reforms can quickly ignite large-scale unrest if not addressed through sustained communication and fair negotiation.
Summary — Key Highlights:
Over 5,000 workers went on strike at the Hazira steel plant over wage and working-hour issues; the protest turned violent with arson and vandalism; more than ten vehicles and emergency equipment were damaged; a woman DCP was injured during police-protester clashes; heavy security has been deployed and investigations are ongoing; L&T has appealed for calm and pledged compliance with upcoming labor regulations.
