India, Feb. 23 -- The Panipat Refinery and Petrochemical Complex at Baholi, about 125km from the national capital, witnessed a violent standoff on Monday as a protest by contract workers escalated into a clash with security forces.

Demonstrators damaged multiple vehicles and hurled stones at the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and local police, prompting security personnel to fire two warning shots in the air to disperse the crowd. While no injuries were reported on either side, the incident highlighted simmering labour discontent at one of the country's largest integrated refining facilities.

The unrest began at the refinery's main gate, where workers had gathered for a scheduled protest amid heavy police presence. The protest...