MAY 8th, 1973: Historic Day for Sikkim
Gradual
dilution of Sikkim’s distinct identity
In this
picture I’m with three historic personalities of Sikkim politics: Kazi Lhendup
Dorji Khangsarpa (centre), the first Chief Minister of Sikkim (1974-1979),
Krishna Chandra Pradhan (on Kazi’s right), and Bhim Bahadur Gurung (on Kazi’s
left). The three were signatories to the historic May 8, 1973 Tripartite
Agreement. This pact was signed between the Government of India, Chogyal of
Sikkim and leaders of three major political parties in Sikkim. Former Gangtok
MLA and Mayor Balchand Sarda is on the extreme left in the picture.
While LD
Kazi represented the Sikkim National Congress in the historic Agreement, KC
Pradhan and BB Gurung belonged to the Sikkim Janata Congress. The Late Netuk
Tsering represented the Sikkim National Party.
The
Agreement while curtailing the Chogyal’s power gave more political rights to
the majority Sikkimese Nepalese. It also brought Sikkim closer to India.
The May
8, 1973 Agreement gradually paved way for Sikkim’s absorption into the Indian
Union in April-May 1975. Article 371F of the Constitution of India, which
provides special status to Sikkim, is based on the May 8th
Agreement.
Viewed
from the historical perspective, the 1890 Convention signed between Great
Britain and China and the Indo-Sikkim Treaty of 1950 paved way for the May 8th 1973
Tripartite Agreement. Under the 1890 Convention Sikkim was made a British
Protectorate. The Protectorate status continued after India’s Independence under
the 1950 Treaty.
After
the Indian takeover of Sikkim in 1975 Article 371F of the Constitution defined
Sikkim’s status within the Indian Union.
The
dilution of Sikkim’s special place within India has been a source of constant
political tension in the former kingdom after the ‘merger’ in 1975. If the
tension continues it may eventually lead to political uncertainty in this
strategic and sensitive border region.
