Bollywood star salman khan has voiced support for students protesting the paper leaks, calling the issue “very serious” and calling for the movement to remain focused on education rather than politics.Going to Instagram, Salman he praised the students for coming together to demand a better education system and also acknowledged the support of their parents. However, he expressed sadness at reports that the otherwise peaceful protests had turned violent.“It was such a peaceful movement, I 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’m glad to know and see that the children of our country have come together for a better education system and their parents have supported them,” Salman wrote.The actor praised the students for choosing peaceful means to express their concerns and said their determination reflects a positive future for the country.“I really appreciate the stand they have taken, showing dedication, sincerity and desire to study hard and make their future and a greater and educated India. This andola, this protest, is the right way to achieve it, the students have done it peacefully. So brave and courageous. Driven and motivated towards education, this generation will make India proud,” he added.Salman also stressed that the protests should not become a political battleground, insisting that only the students deserve recognition for their efforts. He expressed confidence that the government will respond constructively.“This issue is between the students and the education system, it should not be hijacked politically, the credit should only go to the students of our country, and I am sure that the government will also give them all the support to make it a stronger education 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.The actor also shared his vision of India’s education system, saying that learning should become aspirational and attract students from all over the world.“Education should be the next trend and fashion, and it should become more fashionable year by year, come to India to study and India becomes an education hub,” Salman said.
The protests continue paper leak controversy
Salman’s comments come amid nationwide protests over alleged paper leaks.Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court has issued notices to the Center and the Delhi Police on three public interest litigations alleging excessive use of force during the July 20 protest march organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The court has also ordered the authorities to preserve CCTV footage and other electronic evidence related to the incident.Besides, activist Sonam Wangchuk has demanded that the Center ensure that no punitive or retaliatory legal action will be taken against the protesters who participated in the CJP’s ‘Sansad Chalo’ march, making it a condition for ending their indefinite fast.The government has maintained that it is ready for a debate, while Parliament continues to witness a stalemate over the opposition’s demand for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and a discussion on the leak of the NEET-UG paper under a specific rule.