Salman Khan has reacted to the ongoing NEET protests, saying he stands with students who are demanding action over the alleged paper leak and wider education reforms. The actor posted a detailed message on X, where he expressed concern over the violence reported during the demonstrations and said the focus should stay on students and the education system.
His comments came amid the continuing student-led movement linked to the alleged NEET paper leak. The protests have drawn public attention, with several film personalities also speaking in support of students and calling for accountability.
Salman Khan says the movement was peaceful
In his post, Salman said he was saddened that a peaceful protest had turned violent. He wrote that his heart went out to the students and families who were hurt during the demonstrations.
"It was such a peaceful movement. Feel so sad that it had to take a violent turn. My heart goes out to the students and their families who were hurt. Paper leak is a very serious issue, and I am glad to know and see that the kids of our country have come together for a better educational system, and their parents supported them," he wrote.
The actor described the alleged paper leak as a serious issue and said students had come together for a stronger education system. He also acknowledged the role of parents who supported the protest.
Actor praises students for raising their voice
Salman said the students had shown dedication and sincerity by standing up for their future. He said their protest was linked to their desire to study and to build a more educated India.
"I truly appreciate the stand they have taken, showing dedication, sincerity and keenness to study hard and make their future and a greater, educated India. This andolan, this protest, is the right way to go about it, and the students have done this peacefully. So courageous and brave. Driven and motivated towards education, this generation will make India proud," he added.
The post placed emphasis on the students’ intent and their peaceful approach. Salman said the credit for the movement should go to students, who, according to him, had shown courage in seeking change through protest.
Salman says politics should not take over
In another part of his message, Salman said the issue should remain centred on students and the education system. He urged that the protest not be used for political purposes.
"This issue is between the students and the educational system. It should not be hijacked politically. The credit should only go to the students of our country, and I am sure the government will also give them all the support and make it a stronger educational system. It’s a win-win situation. Hoping and praying for a positive decision. God bless all of you who want to be educated," he wrote.
He also said he hoped the government would support the students and help strengthen the education system. His message ended with a call for education to be treated as a national priority.
Call to make education a priority
Salman said education should become a major focus in the country and should attract more respect and attention every year. He wrote that education should become "the next trend and fashion" and said he hoped India could become a place where people from other countries come to study.
The actor’s statement comes during the ongoing "Chalo Sansad" march led by the Cockroach Janta Party, which has brought the NEET issue into wider public discussion. According to the source report, Shabana Azmi and Prakash Raj joined the demonstrations at Jantar Mantar.
Several other public figures from the entertainment industry have also expressed solidarity with the students. The names mentioned include Hanumankind, Diljit Dosanjh, Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh, Anurag Kashyap, Sonu Sood, Yo Yo Honey Singh, Vir Das, Preity Zinta, Imran Khan, Bhumi Pednekar, Sonakshi Sinha, Dia Mirza, Aditi Rao Hydari, Pa Ranjith, Soha Ali Khan and Huma Qureshi.
Salman’s post added another prominent Bollywood voice to the discussion, while keeping the central focus on students, the alleged paper leak and demands for education reforms.
Source: Bollywood Hungama.