Former India cricketers Shikhar Dhawan and Yuvraj Singh have shared messages on social media amid the ongoing protests over the alleged NEET paper leak, calling for patience, dialogue and a focus on safeguarding the future of India's youth.

In an Instagram post on Thursday, Dhawan said the aspirations of young people must be understood while urging faith in the country's institutions and government.

'Our youth are the future of our country. It is important to understand their dreams, but at the same time, it is equally important to have patience during difficult times and maintain faith in the country's institutions and government. I believe that the solution to every challenge comes from patience. India has always moved forward and will continue to move forward in the future,' he wrote.

Singh also appealed for calm and dialogue through an Instagram Story, saying every child, student, woman and man deserves the opportunity to learn in peace, grow with safety and pursue their dreams. He added that dialogue can help find an amicable solution for the sake of India's future.

Their reactions come as nationwide protests over the NEET paper leak continue, with demonstrations in Delhi triggering clashes with police and political confrontation.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that fast-track courts would be set up to ensure swift punishment for those involved in paper leaks, asserting that those who compromise the future of the country's youth 'will not be spared.'