India, May 17 -- Security forces in Manipur on Sunday initiated operations to rescue hostages held captive by Kuki and Naga groups and family members of 14 hostages from the Taphou Kuki community appealed for their safe release.

While there is no official confirmation, Kuki groups claim that 14 members of their side are being held captive by Naga groups, who maintain that six of their members are held by the former.

A senior security official requesting anonymity told HT, "The rescue operation has already been initiated, and efforts are underway to find the hostages and for their safe rescue of civilians from both Kuki and Naga communities at the earliest."

The hostage crisis started on May 13 after unknown persons killed four civilian...