New Delhi: The Bar Council of India (BCI) on Thursday appealed to lawyers, teachers, intellectuals and professionals to engage with students and guide them towards peaceful and lawful forms of protest amid ongoing student demonstrations.

In a statement, BCI Chairman and senior advocate Manan Kumar Mishra urged members of the legal fraternity, academics, doctors, engineers, journalists, entrepreneurs and scientists to help students avoid violence, misinformation and unlawful activities.

BCI raises concerns over protests
The BCI alleged that certain anti-national elements and foreign forces were attempting to influence student protests and create instability in the country.

"Disruptive forces appear unable to reconcile themselves with India's economic progress, expanding global stature and development," the council said, alleging that some political elements were attempting to provoke young people.

The BCI also claimed that individuals with expertise in violent activities had been brought from different states to target police personnel and damage public property.

Appeal to educators and professionals
Mishra said intellectuals and professionals have a responsibility to differentiate between genuine democratic dissent and organised violence.

He urged teachers and professors to interact directly with students and educate them about constitutional values, peaceful methods of protest and responsible use of social media platforms.

Journalists and other professionals were advised to verify information before sharing it and discourage rumours or content that could encourage violence.

"Historically, intellectually sound classes have acted as spokespersons for the helpless and have played a role in defending the nation against foreign conspiracies and attacks," Mishra said.

Call for awareness programmes
The BCI appealed to professional bodies, educational institutions, hospitals, research organisations, industry associations and civil society groups to organise awareness programmes focusing on constitutional responsibilities, digital awareness and the consequences of violence.

Mishra said national interest should remain above political considerations and called upon lawyers, student leaders, political parties and law enforcement agencies to work together to maintain peace and public order.

He urged students to continue expressing their concerns through lawful and democratic means while staying away from violence.