Kathmandu, March 2:

Three months after the signing of the 12-point understanding between the seven-party alliance and Maoists, Nepali Congress (Democratic) today decided to appeal to the Maoists to abide by the understanding in its 'letter and spirit.'

An informal meeting of the party that concluded today 'discussed in detail' the continued violence from the Maoist side.

Party president Sher Bahadur Deuba underwent criticism from some party leaders for making public his reservation on the 12-point understanding.

'This could have been done after discussing the issue in the party or with the leaders of the alliance,' a central leader said.

'Plus and minuses in the understanding can be done through further discussion,' he added.