the armed wing of the naxalite–maoists is called the people's liberation guerrilla army (plga) and is estimated to have between 6,500 and 9,500 cadres, mostly armed with small arms. according to a study of the newspaper "the times of india", 58% of people surveyed in the state of andhra pradesh have a positive perception of the guerrilla, and only 19% against it. the naxalites have frequently targeted tribal, police and government workers in what they say is a fight for improved land rights and more jobs for neglected agricultural labourers and the poor. the naxalites claim that they are following a strategy of rural rebellion similar to a protracted people's war against the government.