Nepal, July 29 -- Political leaders from across the spectrum have agreed to issue a joint appeal urging the public to maintain calm and uphold social harmony as tensions continue to simmer in Sunsari and several other areas.

The decision was taken at an all-party meeting convened by ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane at Singha Durbar on Wednesday.

Speaking after the meeting, Nepali Congress Parliamentary Party Leader Vishmaraj Angdembe said all participating parties had reached a consensus to issue a joint statement calling for restraint in a bid to ease the unrest in Sunsari and other affected areas.

Leaders also voiced concern over the absence of both the prime minister and the home minister from the mee...