'Driven and courageous': Salman Khan backs Indian student protest

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has become the latest celebrity to voice his support for the CJP-led student protest. In recent days, several Bollywood figures have publicly backed the movement, calling on the government to pay attention to the concerns raised by young people. 

Speaking on the issue, Salman praised the students for conducting their demonstration in a peaceful manner. 

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Sharing his thoughts on social media late on Wednesday, Salman wrote, “The movement began peacefully, and it is heartbreaking to see it descend into violence. My thoughts are with the students and their families who have suffered. The issue of paper leaks is extremely serious, and I am encouraged to see young people across the country unite in their demand for a better education system, with the support of their parents.”

He said the students' actions reflected their “commitment, sincerity and determination to work hard towards building their future and contributing to a stronger, more educated India. This movement is a constructive way of raising their concerns, and the students have conducted it peacefully. Their courage, resilience and dedication to education are truly commendable, and this generation will make India proud.”

He, however, emphasised that the protests should not be "politically hijacked".

"This protest is the right way to raise these concerns, and the students have conducted it peacefully. Their courage and determination are truly admirable. Motivated by education and driven by purpose, this generation will make India proud," he said.

In his post, the actor stressed that the matter concerns students and the education system and should not be turned into a political issue. He said the students alone deserve credit for raising their voices and expressed confidence that the government would support them and work towards strengthening the education system. Calling it a "win-win situation", he said he hoped for a favourable outcome.

He also stated that education should be made more appealing and aspirational, helping India establish itself as a global centre for learning.

The protests against the alleged NEET paper leak have drawn support from several prominent figures in the film industry, including Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Shabana Azmi, Prakash Raj, Rajkummar Rao, Revathy, Tovino Thomas and Anurag Kashyap.

The "Sultan" actor is, however, the first among the three Khans to publicly comment on the matter.

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His statement comes just two days after police action against demonstrators in the capital during the "Chalo Sansad" march organised by the Cockroach Janta Party, which demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in several examinations.