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The 50th anniversary of Sikkim's integration with India on May 16th serves as a poignant reminder of the complex political landscape that shaped the region's destiny. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's greetings on X acknowledge Sikkim's natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and industrious people, highlighting its progress in various sectors. However, the integration of Sikkim into India nearly three decades after India's independence is a multifaceted event rooted in historical treaties, geopolitical considerations, and internal political dynamics. The kingdom of Sikkim, established in 1642, was ruled by the Chogyal dynasty for over three centuries. Nestled between India and China, Sikkim's strategic location made it a focal point in regional power struggles. The British, recognizing Sikkim as a buffer state, established a semi-formal relationship during their colonization of India. The Treaty of Tumlong in 1861 formalized this protectorate status, granting the British control while allowing the Chogyals to retain nominal power. Subsequent treaties, such as the treaty of Titaliya in 1817 and the Calcutta Convention of 1890, further solidified British influence and demarcated the border between Sikkim and Tibet. Following India's independence, the princely states were given the option to accede to either India or Pakistan. The situation in Sikkim was unique due to its historical relationship with British rule. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, tasked with integrating the princely states, and BN Rau, the constitutional advisor, initially sought to integrate Sikkim by having the Chogyal sign the Instrument of Accession. However, Nehru recognized the distinct circumstances in Sikkim and believed that India should control defense, external affairs, and communication. A Standstill Agreement was proposed to maintain the status quo until a final decision could be reached. Internally, Sikkim comprised three main ethnic groups: the Bhutias, Lepchas, and Nepalis, with the latter forming the majority. Three political parties, the Sikkim State Congress (SSC), the Praja Mandal (PM), and the Praja Sudharak Samaj (PSS), advocated for closer ties with India. In December 1947, they passed a resolution demanding a popular government, the abolition of landlordism, and accession to India. A delegation of SSC and PM leaders met with Nehru, who expressed that Sikkim should "grow according to its own genius." Indira Gandhi later regretted her father's decision not to heed the wishes of the people of Sikkim to merge with India. Following protests led by the SSC in 1949, the king appointed an Indian officer as the diwan, or chief minister, along with an advisory committee that included SSC representatives. The Indo-Sikkim Treaty of 1950 established Sikkim as an Indian protectorate, with India controlling defense, external affairs, and strategic communications. India also secured exclusive rights to build infrastructure, and Sikkimese people were granted Indian passports. Sikkim was granted "Internal autonomy," but a clause gave India overriding powers in cases of security threats.
The state council or assembly in Sikkim consisted of elected members and those nominated by the king, leading to political disputes over representation and the Chogyal's reluctance to relinquish control. The 1960s and 1970s witnessed significant events that reshaped Sikkim's status. A split within the SSC resulted in the formation of the Sikkim National Congress (SNC) in 1960, which played a pivotal role in the eventual accession. The deaths of Nehru in 1964 and Lal Bahadur Shastri in 1966 brought about changes in Indian political leadership. In 1963, Chogyal Tashi Namgyal passed away, and his successor, Maharaj Kumar Thondup, aimed to capitalize on the period of change to secure independent status for Sikkim. Indira Gandhi's position weakened after the 1967 general elections, where she returned to power with a reduced majority. The India-China war of 1962, in which India suffered losses, further heightened the importance of containing skirmishes on the Sikkim border. India and Sikkim considered altering existing wording to denote a "permanent relationship," but the Chogyal sought greater clarity on Sikkim's independence. The Indian leadership, by the early 1970s, decided to support pro-democracy forces in Sikkim, such as Kazi Dorji of the SNC. A former R&AW officer, Sidhu, detailed in his book 'Sikkim: Dawn of Democracy' how he was sent to Gangtok in 1973 to inform the Chogyal of Chinese activities while secretly assisting the Sikkim Congress with the ultimate goal of merging Sikkim with India. Former Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Deb Mukharji, recounted Sidhu's efforts to unify the pro-democracy and pro-merger political forces in Sikkim, which represented the majority.
In 1973, anti-monarchy protests intensified in Sikkim, culminating in the royal palace being surrounded by thousands of protesters. With no other recourse, the monarch requested assistance from New Delhi, leading to the arrival of Indian troops. A tripartite agreement was signed between the chogyal, the Indian government, and three major political parties, paving the way for political reforms. Elections held in 1974 resulted in a victory for the Sikkim Congress led by Kazi Dorji. A new constitution was adopted, restricting the monarch's role to a titular position. In a referendum held in 1975, a significant majority of voters, 59,637, supported abolishing the monarchy and joining India, while 1,496 voted against. Within a week, India's Ministry of External Affairs introduced the Constitution (Thirty-Sixth Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha to recognize Sikkim as a state in the Union of India. The bill was passed by Parliament and assented to by President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, coming into effect on May 16, 1975. Sikkim's new parliament, led by Dorji, proposed a Bill for Sikkim to become an Indian state, which was accepted by the Indian government. China only gave de facto recognition to the integration in 2003 and later released maps showing Sikkim as part of India. However, during the Doklam standoff between India and China in 2017, Chinese state-run media outlets threatened to reconsider their stance. The Global Times stated that while China recognized India's annexation of Sikkim in 2003, it could readjust its stance on the matter, citing the existence of voices in Sikkim cherishing its history as a separate state and the potential for pro-independence appeals to be fueled by external support. The integration of Sikkim with India remains a significant event in the region's history, shaped by a complex interplay of political, economic, and social factors.
Source: On 50 years of Sikkim’s integration with India, recalling the role of royals, political parties