Sikkim's 50 Years of Integration with India

Key Points

• 1May 16 is commemorated as Sikkim Day, marking the 50th anniversary of Sikkim's integration with India in 1975.
• 2The kingdom of Sikkim was established in 1642 by Phuntsong Namgyal.
• 3Sikkim was a British protectorate, with the Treaty of Tumlong in 1861 giving the British control.
• 4After Indian independence, Sikkim signed a Standstill Agreement and India took control of defense, external affairs, and communication.
• 5The 1975 referendum saw 59,637 votes in favor of abolishing the monarchy and joining India.
• 6China gave de facto recognition in 2003 and released maps showing Sikkim as part of India.