India, Nov. 3 -- India is intensifying its crackdown on Maoist rebels, particularly in Manipur, with increased security operations resulting in the arrest of nine cadres of the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) over the past 48 hours, officials stated on Monday.

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

The arrestees were accused of serving monetary demands to shops, public and government offices, extortion from public and educational institutions, exaction of mobile phones under duress from mobile phone shops, and mediation between disputing parties through intimidation.

In a series of operations, the security forces arrested three a...