Hazira Turns Into Fortress After Violent Clashes by L&T workers at AM/NS India plant

Surat | Gujarat — The industrial hub of Hazira resembled a fortified zone on Friday, a day after violent clashes involving contract workers of Larsen & Toubro (L&T) at the AM/NS facility sent shockwaves through Gujarat’s manufacturing sector. What began as a labour flashpoint escalated into stone-pelting, vandalism and injuries to senior police officials — forcing authorities to convert the entire belt into a virtual police camp overnight.

Security was tightened across all major industrial units in Hazira, with convoys of senior officers patrolling the area. The gravity of the situation was evident as an important two-day police conference scheduled in Surat was cancelled, and all officers were ordered to remain on field duty.

Echoes of Thursday’s unrest were heard again Friday morning when nearly 50 contract workers reportedly regrouped near the L&T unit. Police, already deployed in strength, swiftly dispersed the gathering. “We acted immediately to prevent any escalation. The situation is currently under control, but forces will remain deployed,” a senior officer said.

Visuals that surfaced from inside the plant showed thousands of workers assembling near Gate No. 3, severely disrupting operations. Authorities confirmed that work at several sections of the plant was affected due to the massive gathering.

In a strong response, police have registered cases under serious sections, including attempt to murder, against more than 40 identified accused. Among those injured in Thursday’s stone-pelting was DCP Shefali Barwal. “No one involved in violence will be spared. We are identifying others through CCTV footage and mobile location tracking,” a senior police official stated.

Investigators say social media played a critical role in inflaming tensions. According to police sources, videos of labour unrest in Panipat were circulated widely on WhatsApp and Telegram groups, allegedly accompanied by provocative messages targeting law enforcement. Surat Police’s cyber cell is now monitoring suspicious Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp groups.

DCP Barwal issued a stern warning: “Rumor-spreaders are not safe. The social media monitoring unit is active. Strict legal action will be taken against anyone posting inflammatory or misleading content.”

The unrest has also reignited debate over labour economics in Gujarat. As per the Annual Survey of Industries, Gujarat’s factories contribute ₹3.24 lakh crore to the state GDP, ranking second nationally. An average industrial worker contributes nearly ₹11.71 lakh annually to the GDP. Yet, reports indicate that informal sector workers in the state earn around ₹10,000 per month — lower than wages in at least 17 other states and Union Territories.