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 8^th 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 8^th 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.