India, July 31 -- Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Thursday appealed for calm and harmony after three people died in communal violence in border districts, prompting authorities to extend the curfew to new areas.

In a televised address to the nation, Shah said that the government would ensure a neutral and transparent investigation into the recent violence and hold those responsible accountable.

The violence erupted on Sunday night in the Kaptangunj area of Devganj rural municipality in Sunsari district in Koshi province when members of two communities, who were separately organising programmes, clashed over the use of loudspeakers and the display of religious flags.

On Thursday, violence spread to neighbouring Madhesh province,...