As India observes a ‘Janata Curfew’ on Sunday from 7 AM to 9 PM in an attempt to curb the rise of the novel coronavirus cases in India, cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has hailed the initiative and asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to extend it beyond the day.

Taking to his official Twitter handle, Ashwin wrote, “Unbelievable start to the #JantaCurfew, pin drop silence as they used to say in school. Hope this is extended beyond this day and social distancing can be adhered to in the days to come. @narendramodi @AmitShah.”

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Unbelievable start to the #JantaCurfew , pin drop silence as they used to say in school. Hope this is extended beyond this day and social distancing can be adhered to In the days to come. @narendramodi @AmitShah

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— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) March 22, 2020

“People finding faults with actions of others or pointing out what’s wrong with our system, just take a break and look inwards while you strictly practice ‘social media distancing’. That will be your biggest contribution towards the harmony of the society. Jai hind,” he added.

People finding faults with actions of others or pointing out what’s wrong with our system, just take a break and look inwards while you strictly practice “social media distancing”. That will be your biggest contribution towards the harmony of the society. 👍🏻 Jai hind

— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) March 22, 2020

The off-spinner had earlier vented his anger at the people of Chennai for not practicing social distancing which many believe is the need of the hour in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic that has already affected more than 300 people in India and killed five.

“Let me rephrase it, social distancing doesn’t seem to have caught the attention of the people in Chennai yet. The only reason could be their belief in the summer to curtail it or just faith that nothing will happen. #Coronaindia,” the 33-year-old tweeted.

Let me rephrase it, social distancing doesn’t seem to have caught the attention of the people in Chennai yet. The only reason could be their belief in the summer to curtail it or just faith that nothing will happen. #Coronaindia

— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) March 15, 2020

On March 19, PM Modi in a televised address to the nation announced ‘Janta Curfew’ in the entire country on March 22 in the bid to avoid mass gatherings and prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.