India, Dec. 27 -- Security forces intensified their crackdown on Maoist rebels, particularly in the sensitive border state of Manipur, with the capture of nine cadres of the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) over the past 48 hours, officials stated on Saturday.

A substantial cache of arms, ammunition, and incriminating items was also recovered during operations in the Manipur valley districts.

The KCP is demanding the "reclamation" of the "robbed sovereignty" of Kangleipak (Manipur) by ending its merger with India.

In the first phase of the operation, security forces arrested four active KCP (People's War Group) cadres from the Andro Leitanpekpham area under Andro police station in Imphal East district.

The arrestees include...