Kohima, July 14: The gunning down of a member of the NSCN (Isak-Muivah) by the rival Khaplang group near Lerie here last evening and the arrest of two FGN members with small arms has led to an escalation of tension here.

The gunning down of NSCN (I-M) cadre Nzanthungo Lotha comes close on the heels of Wednesday?s shootout near the residence of Speaker Kiyanilie Peseyie in the high-security Ministers? Hill area by the Khaplang group. The spot is close to chief minister Neiphiu Rio?s residence, too. Six cadre of the group were arrested following the incident.

Police officials were not available for comment, though the force has replied with obvious annoyance to NSCN (K) leader Kughalu Mulatonu?s allegation that Wednesday?s incident occurred because the NSCN (I-M) was providing security to Rio.

The Khaplang group is blaming the NSCN (I-M) for the clashes. The group alleged that the Isak-Muivah group had annulled the ceasefire signed between the two factions in Zunheboto last month.

Besides, in another fortnight, the renewal of ceasefire between New Delhi and the NSCN (Isak-Muivah) will come up for discussion again. The next round of talks are slated for July 28 and the ceasefire expires on July 31.

Chairman of the ceasefire monitoring group and the ceasefire supervisory board, Lt Gen. (retd) R.V. Kulkarni, said ?there are nasty issues involved?, but did not elaborate.