‘Protest should not be hijacked politically’: Salman Khan comes out in support of CJP student protests; Ayesha Khan detained by Mumbai Police

The CJP protest has now spread across all states and even abroad.Apart from Delhi, multiple protests are happening in Mumbai, and many celebs and TV actors have taken part in the protest, supporting students’ rights and voicing out against the NEET paper leak and the students who committed suicide. Many are also demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.

From Sonakshi Sinha to Uorfi Javed, Ayesha Khan and Naseeruddin Shah, among others, have taken to the streets in Mumbai and are attending the protest. Multiple videos have gone viral on social media.

However, in no time, Ayesha Khan was pushed into a van and detained by Mumbai Police. The actor says she did not speak a word about the protest, yet she was pushed inside the van.

In one of the videos, the actress says, “My hands are literally shivering right now. I have been detained in the police van just for standing on the road peacefully.”

Ayesha further stated that she didn’t even start the protest and was just standing on the road because her brother and her male friends had been detained.

“I was pulled by 4-5 women. I used all my strength to try not to get into the van, but they pulled us in.” detained, but there was no response or accountability.”

She said that the police at Worli spoke to them respectfully, but her question remains the same: Why were they detained on the ground? What was the reason?

In a separate post, Ayesha shared a video of her being pushed inside the police van. In the caption, she wrote, “Dragged, detained for standing in peace. Asked questions to all the police people present there on why we were being detained. But no answer whatsoever! Sadak pe khade rehna kabse crime ho gaya? Today will be the most peaceful sleep of my life. I stood for what was right! Still in the police station asking the same question! Why am I detained? Which law did I break? Forget about one’s democratic right and protecting it, instead you are harming your own citizens. For what? I see shame in some of their eyes, but they are bound by their duties. They know, we know, what’s right and what’s wrong.

My stand is clear. We lack accountability, EVERYWHERE. I still have hope, we will see a better future.”

Protests were also staged at multiple locations in the city, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. At Shivaji Park, demonstrations were held near Chaityabhoomi. A protester said some of them were arrested even before reaching the site.

Other celebs have also joined the protest. Singer Arijit Singh posted a number of comments on his X account about the protests and said that force should not be used against students.

He wrote, “Wow!! Checking videos of human beings in uniform behaving like goons.”

In another post, he wrote, “Yaar ab to students ko maar rahe hain aap log. Hello Neta, Minister!! Hello Delhi Police aren’t you ashamed!!?? What are you doing brother!! Have you taken the name of God ***? Every thing will be saved forever! Har Har Mahadev! Remember the only constant is change!”

In response, a user said that Arijit had lost respect for his stance. Arijit responded, “I am not worried about the fact that somebody respects me or not. I am also not bothered about anyone’s opinion as everyone has their own. You being a fan of mine doesn’t compel me to say sugar-coated words to you. But I apologise to you as a person. My words might have hurt your emotions. I am truly sorry. I never meant it that way. It’s just that I am angry. Forgive me to become free. You can delete all my playlists and forget my existence. Be happy. I genuinely pray for your happiness. But that doesn’t change my opinion. Take care.”

On Wednesday, actor Salman Khan took to Instagram and supported students and said that the protest shouldn’t be politicised. The actor shared a childhood photo of himself in his school uniform on social media along with a lengthy note expressing his views on the issue. Salman wrote, “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.”

Appreciating the students for raising their voices, the actor wrote, “I truly appreciate the stand they have taken, showing dedication, sincerity, and keenness to study hard n make their future and a greater, educated India.” He further described the students as courageous and brave, adding that he believes this generation will make India proud because of its commitment to education.

He added, “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 n make it a stronger educational system. It’s a win-win situation. Hoping n praying for a positive decision. God bless all of you who wanna be educated.”

“Education should be the next trend and fashion, and should get trendier n more fashionable yr by yr, itna k bahar se log (people from outside) come to India to study and India becomes an educational hub,” he concluded.

According to Delhi officials, during Monday’s protest by Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in the New Delhi area, the protesters displayed unruly, aggressive, and violent behaviour. Despite repeated warnings and lawful directions issued by the police, they refused to disperse and deliberately violated the prohibitory orders in force. The protestors, however, claim that Delhi Police personnel targeted them indiscriminately, leading to several injuries on their side as well. Several videos on social media show Delhi Police personnel lathi-charging the students and resorting to firing tear gas. Protestors have alleged that people in civil clothes without police accreditation attacked them as well.