How India Saved Sikkim: A Review of G.B.S.Sidhu's Sikkim-Dawn of Democracy

Sikkim Dawn of Democracy Book Review

Name: Sikkim - Dawn of Democracy, The truth behind the merger with India

Launch: 28 October 2018

Author: G.B.S. Sidhu

Genre: History, Politics, International Relations

Rating: ★★★★

Buying Link: Amazon

Sikkim-Dawn of Democracy is a book by G.B.S.Sidhu, a retired special secretary of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), the intelligence agency of India. The book, published in 2018, is a first-hand account of the events that led to the merger of the Himalayan kingdom of Sikkim with the Indian republic in 1975. Sidhu, who was one of the key Indian officers involved in the operation, reveals the behind-the-scenes story of how India helped the people of Sikkim overthrow the feudal rule of the Chogyal (king) and establish a democratic government. The book is a fascinating and insightful read for anyone interested in the history and politics of South Asia.

The book begins with a brief introduction to the history and geography of Sikkim, a small landlocked state sandwiched between Nepal, Bhutan, China, and India. Sidhu explains how Sikkim became a protectorate of India in 1950, after the British left the subcontinent, and how the Chogyal, who belonged to the Bhutia-Lepcha ethnic group, tried to maintain his autocratic power over the majority Nepali population, who demanded more rights and representation. Sidhu also describes the role of China, which claimed Sikkim as part of its territory, and the international pressure on India to respect Sikkim's sovereignty.

The main part of the book focuses on the period from 1973 to 1975, when Sidhu was posted in Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, as the head of the R&AW field office. He narrates how he established contact and rapport with Kazi Lhendup Dorji, the leader of the pro-democracy movement and the chief minister of Sikkim, who sought India's support to end the Chogyal's tyranny. Sidhu also details how he coordinated with the Indian Army, the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Prime Minister's Office, to execute the plan of action. He reveals the challenges and risks involved in the operation, such as the Chogyal's attempts to sabotage the democratic process, the Chinese threat of intervention, and the international criticism of India's alleged interference.

The book ends with a description of the final stages of the merger, when the people of Sikkim voted overwhelmingly in favour of joining India in a referendum, and the Chogyal was deposed and exiled. Sidhu also reflects on the aftermath of the merger, such as the constitutional amendments, the socio-economic development, and the cultural integration of Sikkim with India. He pays tribute to the key personalities who made the merger possible, especially Kazi Lhendup Dorji, whom he calls the "Desh Bachau" (country saver) of Sikkim.

The book is a well-written and well-researched account of a significant episode in the history of India and Sikkim. Sidhu's style is clear, concise, and engaging, and he provides ample evidence and quotations from various sources to support his claims. He also offers his personal opinions and insights, which add to the authenticity and credibility of the book. The book is not a dry or dull recitation of facts, but a lively and captivating story of intrigue, diplomacy, and courage.

The book's main strength is its insider's perspective, which gives the reader a rare glimpse into the workings of the R&AW and the Indian government. Sidhu does not shy away from admitting the mistakes and shortcomings of the Indian side, such as the lack of coordination, the bureaucratic hurdles, and the ethical dilemmas. He also acknowledges the contributions and sacrifices of the Sikkimese people, who fought for their freedom and democracy. He does not portray India as a benevolent or altruistic power, but as a pragmatic and strategic one, which acted in its own national interest as well as in the interest of Sikkim.

The book's main weakness is its one-sided and biased view of the merger, which ignores or downplays the other perspectives and criticisms. Sidhu does not give much voice or space to the Chogyal and his supporters, who may have had a different version of the events and their motivations. He also does not address the legal and moral questions of India's intervention and annexation of Sikkim, which some may consider as a violation of international law and human rights. He also does not explore the long-term implications and consequences of the merger, such as the loss of Sikkim's unique identity and culture, and the resentment and alienation of some sections of the Sikkimese society.

The book is a valuable and informative addition to the literature on Sikkim and India, and a must-read for anyone interested in the history and politics of the region. It is also a compelling and entertaining story of a covert operation that changed the fate of a nation. The book is not a definitive or objective account of the merger, but a personal and subjective one, which reflects the author's views and experiences. The book is not a final word on the subject, but a starting point for further discussion and debate.

The book deserves a rating of 4 out of 5 stars, for its originality, clarity, and relevance. The book is recommended for readers who enjoy political thrillers, spy novels, and historical narratives. The book is also suitable for students and scholars of South Asian studies, international relations, and intelligence studies. The book may not appeal to readers who prefer a more balanced and nuanced approach, or who are sensitive to the issues of sovereignty and self-determination. The book may also raise some questions for further discussion, such as:

• What were the motives and interests of India and Sikkim in the merger?
• What were the benefits and costs of the merger for both parties?
• How did the merger affect the relations between India and China, and the regional stability and security?
• How did the merger affect the identity and culture of the Sikkimese people, and their integration with the Indian society?
• How did the merger affect the democratic and constitutional development of Sikkim and India?
• How can the merger be evaluated from a legal and moral standpoint?
• How can the merger be compared and contrasted with other similar cases of integration or secession in the world?