NEW DELHI: Film star Aamir Khan turned environmental activist as he strongly came out in support of evacuees of the Narmada dam and the victims of the Bhopal gas tragedy who have been protesting here demanding rehabilitation and adequate compensation.

“I do not know about the issue completely so I would not like to comment on whether the height of the dam should be raised or not. But what I know is that thousands of people have been affected due to the building of the dam and they have not been given proper rehabilitation by the government,” said the film star, who was mobbed by the media and a large crowd that came to see him in his new avatar.

“This is an emotional reaction after seeing the struggle of the activists,” he said about his presence among the activists at the Jantar Mantar.

Khan was accompanied by his co-stars and director of the recently released hit film Rang De Basanti. “I wanted to come and meet them, and I also asked my friends to come and support the cause for which these activists have been on fast for so many days,” he said.

Well-known environmental activist Medha Patkar has been on an indefinite hunger strike since March 29 against the raising of the height of the Sardar Sarovar Dam. The activists of NBA allege that over 35,000 people, displaced by the dam, have not been rehabilitated.

Khan also appealed to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to give the protesters proper attention and time so that they can present their problems before him.

Khan added: “I have come here for the sake the farmers who give us food to eat and it is the responsibility of the government to rehabilitate these people.”