The family members of Antaryami, who has been held hostage in Iraq along with two other Indians since July 21, on Friday began an indefinite hunger strike to protest against the delay in their son's release.

Antaryami's parents Ram Murthi and Bhago Devi, sister Harjinder and some other members of the family began the strike at noon in their house in Dehlan village near Una, Himachal Pradesh, and were soon joined by some villagers.

Ram Das, Antaryami's uncle said their patience was running out as there was neither any authentic information about the progress of the talks nor signs of release of Antaryami, Sukhdeo Singh and Tilka Raj.

"The external affairs ministry spokesman has been telling for the last 15 days that talks are progressing. But nothing has come out... We do not even know about the condition of our son and people are agitated," Ram Das said.

He said, "We have resorted to democratic method of protest and are sitting on hunger strike inside our house."