'So-Called Student Protests' Hijacked By Anti-National Elements Seeking To Destabilize India: BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra [Read Press Release]

New Delhi: Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman and Senior Advocate Manan Kumar Mishra has issued a strongly worded public appeal alleging that recent student protests have been infiltrated by anti-national and anti-social elements whose objective is to destabilize India. 

In a four-page press release titled "An Appeal to the Intellectuals of the Country," Mishra called upon lawyers, teachers, professors, doctors, journalists, engineers, entrepreneurs, scientists and other responsible citizens to guide students towards peaceful, constitutional and lawful forms of democratic expression.

The appeal opens with a warning that "foreign adversaries are acting with the intent to destabilize India, and innocent students are being misled and misused. Anti-social and anti-national forces have hijacked their agitation." It further claims that the objective of such elements is "to undermine and ruin our country."

Mishra alleged that the present protests are no longer representative of genuine student concerns and have instead become a platform for anti-national elements. According to him, "These disruptive forces appear unable to reconcile themselves with India's economic progress, expanding global stature and development." He further claimed that certain politicians are instigating younger generations to indulge in unlawful activities, stating that "such individuals have no genuine concern for the peace and prosperity of our Bharat; instead they are dancing at the tune of enemy countries."

Without naming any political leader, the BCI Chairman also made allegations regarding foreign influence. He claimed that "One of these politicians frequently travels abroad and meets anti-Indian figures, including those who support terrorism. He is reputedly very close to George Soros and has been receiving huge funds intended to destabilize our country over the past decade." The press release further alleges that funds from certain developed countries are being routed through political parties in India with the objective of creating instability. These allegations are contained in the BCI Chairman's statement and have not been independently verified.

The appeal also makes serious allegations regarding the organization of violent protests. According to Mishra, "experts in stone pelting have been brought from Jammu and Kashmir and other states into Delhi and other major cities." He alleged that these persons are being paid substantial amounts to create disorder, assault police personnel and damage public property. The statement further claims that "large scale social media campaigns have been orchestrated at the behest of Pakistan, China, Bangladesh and other countries" to spread distorted information and mislead India's youth.

Describing the present situation as one requiring intervention by responsible citizens, Mishra observed that "the public must be made aware of these harsh realities." He claimed that India's enemies are attempting to push the nation into turmoil because they are unable to tolerate its economic growth and development.

A significant portion of the appeal is devoted to defining the role of lawyers and intellectuals during such circumstances. Under the heading "Duties of Intellectuals during such state of turmoil," Mishra stated:

"It is the duty of the legal profession and of all intellectuals and prudent citizens to step forward and convey the truth to innocent students and the wider public."

He further stated that lawyers, teachers, professors, doctors, engineers, technocrats, entrepreneurs and other respected citizens have historically acted as leaders of society during periods of national crisis and must once again discharge that responsibility.

The BCI Chairman emphasized that every responsible citizen has "a solemn civic duty to protect constitutional order, social harmony and the future of the younger generation." According to the appeal, professionals possess the knowledge, experience and credibility necessary "to help distinguish genuine democratic dissent from violence, misinformation and organised disorder."

Addressing the role of educational institutions, Mishra said teachers and professors occupy a position of special trust in the lives of students. He urged them to engage directly with young people, patiently listen to their concerns and guide them "towards peaceful, lawful and constructive forms of expression." He cautioned educational institutions against allowing impressionable students to be drawn into violence or activities that could permanently damage their education and future prospects.

The appeal also assigns responsibilities to doctors, engineers, journalists, scientists and other professionals. Mishra observed that at a time when misinformation spreads rapidly through digital platforms, responsible citizens must verify facts before sharing information and "must actively discourage rumours, hatred, provocation and calls for violence." He warned that silence on the part of informed citizens could allow falsehoods and fear to gain ground.

Parents and guardians have likewise been urged to remain vigilant. According to the appeal, families should ensure that young people are not exploited by individuals seeking to misuse their energy and idealism for unlawful purposes. Mishra stressed that "violence, destruction and assault can never be justified as democratic participation."

The BCI Chairman also called upon universities, colleges, hospitals, professional bodies, chambers of commerce and civil society organisations to organise awareness programmes on constitutional values, peaceful protest, digital responsibility and the consequences of violence.

Concluding the four-page appeal, Mishra distinguished between peaceful student protests and violent demonstrations. He stated:

"Any type of disruptive elements are not genuine protesters; they are destroyers... The true student community is prudent, calm, and committed to peaceful protest. It does not damage public or private property or take the law into its own hands."

Referring to recent incidents, he further asserted:

"This so-called protest has been completely hijacked by malicious elements whose objectives differ from those of genuine students... No real student would act in such a manner."

Appealing to the legal fraternity and society at large, Mishra urged lawyers, student leaders, political parties and law enforcement agencies to cooperate in restoring peace, uphold the Constitution and persuade students to adopt lawful democratic means. He concluded by appealing to every responsible citizen, "irrespective of profession, region, language, religion or political preference," to place the nation above partisan considerations and work collectively to safeguard constitutional order, public peace and the future of India's youth.

[Read Press Release]