By Tendar Tsering

DHARAMSHALA, October 28: The group of 21 Tibetan students in western Indian state of Gujarat flagged off a cycle rally on Thursday in a bid to draw international attention to the repressive policies of China in Tibet and the spate of self immolation by Tibetans.

As the week-long cycle rally turned into its fourth day yesterday, the Tibetan students group lobbied the Indian university and college students in the Indian city of Ahmedabad.

The students belonging to the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, Baroda, demand the Chinese government to immediately withdraw its armed troops from Tibetan regions and address the real problems inside Tibet.

"Despite the hot and humid climate, the cyclists have covered 250 Kilometers, and we are determined to complete the week-long cycle rally successfully," said Tenzin Tsokey, media coordinator for the rally.

The cyclists organize press conferences while crossing the cities and towns during the week-long cycle rally.

The group flagged off the rally from the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda and plans to conclude at the same spot this Thursday.

Indian friends of Tibet attended the opening ceremony of the cycle rally. "This is a journey that we are starting to go back to Tibet, therefore, never give up,” said Dr. Nanne, a Tibetologist.

The head of the Tibetan Sweater Sellers Association in Baroda also attended the flagging off ceremony and expressed their support by offering Tibetan traditional scarves to the cyclists.

Dr. Bhaskar Rao, writer and Tibetologist, also attended the flagging off ceremony to express his support.