Hyderabad, June 3 -- Amid the continuing impasse over the release of hostages from the Naga and Kuki communities, both Naga and Kuki organisations have intensified their agitations, demanding the safe release of those still being held captive, officials said on Tuesday.

The United Naga Council (UNC), the apex body of the Nagas in Manipur, at the last minute, deferred its proposed move to facilitate the release of 14 Kuki hostages, insisting that six Naga civilians allegedly held captive by Kuki groups must first be released.

In one of the strongest statements issued since the abduction of six Naga civilians during the ongoing crisis in Manipur, Khanuithot-Khon, a Naga youth organisation, launched a sharp attack against any move to relea...