'My heart goes out to the students': Salman Khan backs peaceful NEET protest

The actor joined a growing list of film personalities speaking out after Monday's clashes between police and protesters during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led march from Delhi's Jantar Mantar to Parliament.

'Feel so sad it had to turn violent'

Sharing a childhood picture of himself on Instagram on Wednesday, Salman Khan expressed sympathy for the students injured during the protests.

"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," he wrote.

Calling paper leaks a "very serious issue", the actor said he was encouraged to see young people uniting to demand a fairer education system, with the support of their parents.

'Students should get the credit'

Salman praised the protesters for their determination and commitment to education, describing their movement as peaceful, courageous and driven by a desire to build a stronger India.

"I truly appreciate the stand they have taken... This protest is the right way to go about it, and the students have done this peacefully," he wrote.

He also urged that the movement not be turned into a political battle.

"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," Salman said, expressing hope that the government would work with them to strengthen India's education system.

'Make India an education hub'

The actor concluded by calling for education to become a national aspiration.

"Education should be the next trend and fashion... so much so that people from outside come to India to study and India becomes an educational hub," he wrote.

Background: Protest and police action

The CJP-led protests have been underway for nearly a month over alleged irregularities in the education system, particularly the NEET paper leak controversy.

On Monday, protesters marched from Jantar Mantar towards Parliament. Delhi Police said demonstrators turned violent, defied prohibitory orders and refused to disperse despite repeated warnings.

Protesters, however, have alleged that police used excessive force, including lathi-charge and tear gas, and claimed that individuals in civilian clothes without identification also assaulted demonstrators.

Several videos circulating on social media appear to show police using force against protesters.

Social activist Sonam Wangchuk, who joined the movement earlier this month with a hunger strike, remains one of its prominent faces. Although representatives of the protesters held talks with the Centre on Tuesday, the agitation continues.