Egypt's Al-Azhar institute has expressed concern over the infiltration of gunmen into anti-government protests across the country demanding President Mohamed Morsi step down.

"Al-Azhar is monitoring with deep concern what is happening, particularly reports of casualties and the arrest of arms smugglers who seem to have infiltrated the peaceful scene in a bid to turn their weapons on gatherings and cause further bloodshed," the ancient academy said in a statement issued on Monday, AFP reported.

"Al-Azhar cannot ignore what is happening or stand with arms folded as these groups infiltrate the ranks of peaceful protesters, carrying all sorts of weapons in order to drag the country into confrontations which will lead God only knows where," the statement added.

The academy, which is one of the most influential centers of scholarship in the Muslim world, urged all relevant state institutions "to take immediate measures to disarm and arrest these people," and called on everyone to show restraint.

Earlier in the day, Egyptian military issued a statement saying it will intervene if President Morsi and his opponents fail to resolve the new deadly political crisis in the country within 48 hours.

On Sunday millions of Egyptians demonstrated in cities nationwide to demand Morsi's resignation and early presidential elections.

The country’s Health Ministry has said 16 people were killed in Sunday’s demonstrations.

The massive protests on Sunday came on the first anniversary of Morsi’s inauguration as president following the 2011 revolution that toppled the Western-backed regime of former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.

The protests continued on Monday. The opposition movement behind the protests -- Tamarod (Arabic for Rebellion) -- has given Morsi until 5:00 p.m. (1500 GMT) on Tuesday to step down and call fresh presidential elections, or else face a campaign of civil disobedience.

Several political groups say the government is dominated by the Muslim Brotherhood. The opposition also accuses Morsi of deviating from the 2011 revolution.

Morsi’s supporters, however, say the president is cleansing Egyptian institutions of corruption but he needs time to realize the ideals of the 2011 revolution.

HK