Senior leader warns of massive protest and locking of gates if youth employment promises remain unfulfilled
NUH – A major dispute has erupted in Mewat in Haryana’s Nuh district over employment opportunities at ATL Company, one of Asia’s reputed industrial establishments. Senior community leader Chaudhary Tayyab Hussain has accused the company of reneging on commitments made to local youth.
Speaking at a recent press conference, Hussain said: “Fifteen years ago, the government acquired approximately 1,600 acres from nine villages in Nuh district. At that time, local residents were assured that all companies set up here would prioritise jobs for Mewat’s youth. Now, despite the company being fully operational, our youth are being denied employment.”
Hussain highlighted that the company is not only excluding youth from Mewat but also those living within a 40-kilometre radius. “Young people are being called for interviews under the pretext of job opportunities. When they arrive, they are either harassed or rejected outrightly,” he added, noting the growing frustration among local communities.
The senior leader also drew attention to broken promises concerning job reservations. “When construction of the company began, we were assured that 75 per cent of positions would go to local residents. That promise has been ignored, and it is a source of deep resentment,” Hussain said.
In addition to employment concerns, Hussain emphasised the ongoing plight of local farmers. “For the past one and a half years, farmers have been protesting to claim their pending compensation. We support them fully and demand that their rights be fulfilled immediately,” he stated.
Hussain confirmed that community meetings will be held with local intellectuals, and a memorandum will be submitted to Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini via the Deputy Commissioner. “Our demands are simple: ensure employment for Mewat youth in ATL Company and release the remaining compensation to farmers. If these issues are ignored, the people of Mewat will unite, lock the gates of the company, and stage a major protest,” he warned.
Residents of Mewat echoed Hussain’s concerns. Local youth Abdul Rashid said, “We were promised jobs when this company was set up on our land. It is frustrating to see outsiders being preferred over us. We want our fair share of employment.”
Farmers like Mohammad Irfan, whose land was acquired for the company, expressed similar grievances: “We have been waiting for over a year to receive compensation. Our families are struggling, yet the company and authorities remain silent. We demand justice and action now.”
The controversy has sparked widespread concern in the region, with many locals calling for immediate government intervention. Hussain’s threat of protest underscores the growing unrest among Mewat’s Muslim community, who feel marginalised in the very area that was promised to benefit them.
The ATL Company dispute in Mewat highlights longstanding issues of employment promises and fair treatment for local communities. With strong community leadership and growing public support, the coming days may witness intensified pressure on both the company and government authorities to address the grievances of Mewat’s youth and farmers.
