Hyderabad/New Delhi | Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has issued a second public statement regarding the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy, urging social activist Sonam Wangchuk Sonam Wangchuk to end his hunger strike and appealing to protesting students to return home following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Narendra Modi announcement of tougher action against those responsible for examination paper leaks.
The actor’s message came a day after he publicly expressed support for students demanding fairness, transparency, and education reforms in India’s competitive examination system.
Salman Khan Appeals for Peace and Dialogue
Sharing a photograph on Instagram, Salman Khan said that students and their safety should remain the country’s highest priority.
In his message, he reassured students and their parents that the government had acknowledged their concerns and referred to Prime Minister Modi’s recent commitment to introduce stricter laws, fast-track courts, and stronger punishment for those involved in examination paper leaks.
Salman urged students to return to their families and avoid further confrontation, expressing confidence that the government would take appropriate action.
Message to Sonam Wangchuk
Addressing Wangchuk directly, Salman Khan made an emotional appeal for him to end his prolonged hunger strike.
He encouraged the activist to look after his health, saying that if future action became necessary, he could continue his efforts at another time rather than risking his well-being.
The actor also offered, in a light-hearted manner, to send food from his home if Wangchuk wished.
Support for Students’ Movement
A day earlier, Salman Khan had shared another statement praising students participating in protests against the alleged NEET-UG 2026 examination irregularities.
He described the movement as a peaceful campaign seeking a better education system and expressed sympathy for students and families reportedly affected during demonstrations.
The actor emphasized that:
- Education should remain above politics.
- The movement belongs to students, not political organizations.
- The government should continue strengthening the education system.
- India should aspire to become a global education hub that attracts students from around the world.
He also praised the determination and discipline shown by young protesters, describing them as the generation that could help build a stronger and better-educated India.
Prime Minister Announces Tougher Measures
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the government would establish fast-track courts and introduce legislation providing stricter punishment for individuals involved in exam paper leaks.
The Prime Minister stated that the future of India’s youth is the government’s highest priority and vowed that those responsible for compromising students’ futures would not be spared.
The proposed legislation is expected to strengthen legal action against organized examination fraud and improve the integrity of India’s competitive examination system.
American Perspectives
Jessica Morgan, an education policy expert from Boston, Massachusetts, said:
“Public figures can play an important role in encouraging peaceful dialogue and reassuring students during periods of uncertainty. Ultimately, lasting trust depends on transparent investigations and meaningful education reforms.”
Daniel Foster, a youth engagement researcher from Washington, D.C., commented:
“Students have the right to peacefully express concerns about fairness in education. At the same time, constructive communication between governments, educators, and civil society is essential to resolving disputes while ensuring student safety.”
Key Highlights
- Salman Khan urged Sonam Wangchuk to end his hunger strike and prioritize his health.
- The actor appealed to students to return home, citing Prime Minister Modi’s assurance of strict action against those responsible for paper leaks.
- Salman praised students for their peaceful protests and called for education to remain free from political divisions.
- He expressed hope that India would continue strengthening its education system and emerge as a global education destination.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced plans for fast-track courts and stronger legal provisions to combat exam paper leaks and protect the interests of students.
- The controversy continues to fuel nationwide discussions on education reform, exam security, and public accountability.
