Lucknow, Apr 15 (IANS): Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, the apex body of Hindu seers, has extended its support to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's lockdown measures.

In a statement Mahant Narendra Giri, president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, has appealed to the fellow seers of the thirteen Akharas to adhere to the lockdown guidelines and protect themselves from the deadly virus.

The Mahant said, "the Prime Minister has once again extended the lockdown in the national interest. So, all saints should feel positive about this decision. There is no cure for coronavirus as of now and the infection is spreading at a rapid pace. The danger of coronavirus can only be prevented by following social distancing norms."

He urged the sants to donate money to the PM-CARES Fund and the Chief Minister's Relief Fund as their contribution to the battle against COVID-19.

The Akhara Parishad also appreciated UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath for working day and night to contain the spread of the virus in the state even while putting his own life to risk.

The Mahant urged the people to stay indoors during the lockdown period to prevent 'community spread' and urged them to 'offer prayers to defeat coronavirus'.