For the first time since the Cockroach Janta Party started its protest at Jantar Mantar, a veteran BJP leader today struck a note of caution over the way student protests are being handled and advocated empathy.BJP margdarshak mandal member and former minister Murli Manohar Joshi (92) warned against the use of force on protesting students, saying this approach could lead to the alienation of people from larger national goals.The unease in the BJP over prolonged protests is palpable, but party leaders have not so far come on record to question the police crackdown on the CJP-led protesters on July 20.“It is painful to see young students from different parts of the country assembled for days on the streets of New Delhi. Their anxieties and concerns regarding the examination system are genuine and must be handled with empathy and a desire to find a lasting solution,” he said.The veteran leader, known for his independent stance, including on the Char Dham project, said the ongoing protest should not be seen as a law and order issue. “I fervently hope that this is not treated merely as a law and order issue to be tackled through the use of force. It is very painful to see that even young girls were brutally manhandled,” he stressed.Joshi went on to warn the government and the police establishment against deploying force against the agitating students. “Such use of force shall alienate large sections of Indian society from the national goal of Viksit Bharat,” said Joshi, who had earlier red-flagged the Char Dham road-widening plan, citing potential adverse impact to environment.