Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has finally broken his silence on the ongoing student protests in India surrounding allegations of question paper leaks.
On Wednesday (July 22), Salman Khan posted an old photograph from his school days on Instagram, praising the courage and awareness of the students. He wrote that this generation's passion and commitment to education will one day make India proud.
In his post, Salman Khan noted that the student demonstrations began peacefully. However, he expressed sorrow over the situation later turning violent, offering his condolences to the injured students and their families.
Praising the unity of young Indians, Salman Khan wrote that the students' initiative on crucial issues like question paper leaks demonstrates immense bravery. The megastar also commended parents for standing by their children.
He stated that the issue is fundamentally a matter between students and the education system, and therefore it should not be turned into a political fight. He added that the credit for this movement belongs solely to the students.
He further wrote that he hopes the government takes a positive approach toward the students' demands and strengthens the nation's educational framework. He remarked that education should become as attractive and prestigious as fashion so that India can establish itself as a premier global hub for learning.
Protests have swept across India centered around allegations of question leaks in the NEET-UG medical entrance examination, with students holding demonstrations in Delhi and various other Indian cities.
The situation intensified after the BJP government led by Narendra Modi forcefully hospitalized Sonam Wangchuk, an educationist and human rights activist who was on a hunger strike.
Tensions escalated further last Monday in Delhi during a large-scale protest called by the Cockroach Party, when a student march attempting to move toward Parliament was blocked by police.
Delhi Police allegedly used tear gas and baton charges to disperse the demonstrators, while protesters have been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
International human rights organization Amnesty International expressed concern over the police crackdown, stating that excessive force was used against peaceful protesters.
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi also criticized the government and reiterated demands for the education minister's resignation, according to The Statesman.
Live TV
RTV Plus 
