.The unrest, now in its fourth day, has disrupted activity in one of Asia’s largest planned industrial townships, where thousands of manufacturing units operate. Protesters, many employed in small factories, have been demanding higher wages and improved labour conditions amid rising living costs linked to global supply disruptions.

Workers said their grievances include long working hours, unpaid overtime and lack of adherence to government labour guidelines. Vinay Mahoti, a worker from Bihar employed in a hosiery unit, said demonstrations that began within factory premises spread to the streets as employees from multiple companies joined in.

Visuals showed protesters marching, chanting slogans and clashing with security personnel, with some overturning vehicles and setting them on fire while others hurled stones at barricades.

Local police said they were attempting to restore order using limited force. “Senior police and administrative officials are making persistent efforts to counsel the workers and urge them to maintain peace and restraint,” the Gautam Budh Nagar police said in a statement.

Narendra Kashyap called on demonstrators to engage in dialogue with authorities, urging a peaceful resolution to the dispute.The protests follow similar labour unrest in the neighbouring state of Haryana last week, where the government responded to worker demands by ordering a 35% increase in minimum wages.

Rising inflation and cost pressures, partly driven by global energy disruptions linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict, have intensified economic strain on industrial workers, contributing to growing unrest in key manufacturing regions.

In a heartfelt statement, the National President of the organization, Maulana Asghar Ali Imam Mehdi Salafi, expressed deep condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and conveyed his sympathy to the injured. He emphasized that such acts of violence are not only criminal but a threat to the harmony and security of the country.

Maulana Salafi referenced the harrowing memories of the Pulwama attack, stating, “We cannot forget the tragedy of the most serious terrorist attack in Pulwama, which marked a dark day in the history of our nation.”

He urged the government to take stringent action against the perpetrators, stating that “those responsible must be brought to justice to ensure that no one dares to disrupt the peace and security of this dear country.”

Calling for a responsible and united response, Maulana Salafi appealed to the media and the public to exercise patience and avoid actions that could incite further tensions or undermine communal harmony.

“Maintaining law and order and preserving our collective peace is our moral and civic duty,” he noted.

This statement comes at a time when tensions are high in the region, and calls for justice and peace are echoing from various quarters of civil society. The Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadees Hind’s message aims to reinforce the importance of unity and resilience in the face of terrorism.

A storm is brewing on social media following a fiery post by Brother Imran, also known officially as Mujtaba Hussain Siddiqui, a Indian-origin Islamic preacher based in the United States, lashed out at corrupt Muslim leaders and their supporters for the massive encroachment of Waqf properties in the Indian state of Telangana.

Waqf lands—charitable endowments meant to benefit the Muslim community, particularly the poor—have long been plagued by corruption and mismanagement. According to Imran’s post, a staggering 14,949 acres out of a total 16,570 acres of Waqf land in Hyderabad and Cyberabad (Ranga Reddy District) have been illegally occupied.

In language that was both impassioned and inflammatory, he condemned those responsible, calling them “bastards” and accusing them of nurturing “illegitimate generations” on stolen charity land. He alleged that these individuals have used embezzled Waqf properties to acquire luxurious assets and real estate not only across India but also abroad in cities such as London, Melbourne, Sydney, Chicago, and Rome.

“These criminals seized land meant for the poor Muslim community and turned it into personal wealth,” Imran wrote, adding a fierce prayer for divine justice—“May Allah destroy their generations before their eyes just as they destroyed the hopes of the poor.”

The remaining unencroached land, according to him, is only 1,621 acres—a fraction of what was originally intended for communal welfare.

His post has drawn both support and criticism. Some social media users praised his courage in speaking out against entrenched corruption, while others questioned his use of harsh language and called for more constructive forms of activism.

The issue of Waqf land encroachment is not new in India, and activists have long demanded stronger protections and transparency in its management. However, voices like Brother Imran’s bring renewed attention—albeit in polarizing fashion—to a deeply rooted problem.

As the debate intensifies, the question remains: will this spark meaningful reform, or simply add fuel to an already divided discourse?