New Delhi, May 17 -- Manipur's two deputy chief ministers, Losii Diko and Nemcha Kipgen, who represent the Naga and Kuki-Zo communities respectively, have emerged as key negotiators in the ongoing hostage crisis triggered by escalating Naga-Kuki clashes in the northeastern state, officials aware of the matter said on Saturday.

Working alongside church leaders, civil society organisations, the Indian Army, police and central intelligence agencies, the two leaders are engaging with their respective communities to secure the safe return of at least 20 abducted people, officials said.

Amid escalating tensions and the killing of three Kuki-Zo church leaders on Wednesday, village defence volunteers from both communities abducted members of ea...