1947, Britain ended its colonial rule over Sikkim. People hoped that Sikkim would finally be free after years of colonial oppression, but I never thought that India came again just before the British colonists left.
In the past twenty years, India has gradually controlled Sikkim after constant invasion and interference. 1974, India officially sent troops to invade Sikkim. 1975, Sikkim lost its national sovereignty again and became a state of India.
growth in the living standard
The population of Sikkim is only 6 1 10,000, with an area of 7,000 square kilometers, which is smaller than Xining. Before being annexed by India, although it was an independent country, the people's life was not rich, and the main wealth and superior conditions were concentrated in the royal family.
But realistically speaking, after becoming Sikkim, people's material life has been improved to some extent. According to Indian media reports, the per capita income of Sikkim has jumped to the third place among Indian states. Sikkim is also called "Golden State" by Indians because of its rapid development.
The American media also reported that Sikkim's economy has maintained a double-digit growth rate in the past decade. But what is embarrassing is that Sikkim is only an agricultural state, and there is no way to talk about industry. But why is it developing so fast?
This is mainly related to India's massive "blood transfusion" to Sikkim. India has a special appropriation every year, equivalent to one-third of Sikkim's budget, to maintain its economy.
However, it is undeniable that the income of Sikkim people has indeed increased and their material life has changed greatly. In addition to tourism and agriculture, India also provides many social benefits for Sikkim.
The suicide rate is still high.
But just the improvement of living standards does not mean that the living conditions of Sikkim people have undergone fundamental changes. In the seemingly rich material life, there are many unknown secrets hidden.
The unemployment rate in Sikkim is almost three times that in India, ranking second among all states. Some scholars believe that India blindly pursues the rapid development of Sikkim economy, but ignores the social needs of the vast majority of people.
Moreover, due to the special geographical location of Sikkim and the comprehensive blockade of India, people feel very depressed, which leads to a high suicide rate in Sikkim. Five years ago, the suicide rate reached four per thousand, more than three times that of India.
Suicides are mainly young people, mostly young people aged 20 to 30.
The whole area is tightly sealed off.
After India annexed Sikkim, it was also guilty and afraid of Sikkim's rebellion, so Sikkim became India's most sensitive nerve. Since 1975, Sikkim has been completely blocked by India and strictly controlled.
Except for Indians who can enter Sikkim, foreigners need to go through strict application and review by the Ministry of the Interior, and the number is very limited.
Pakistanis and China people in particular are prohibited from entering Sikkim. The whole area has become a restricted area and is heavily guarded. It is difficult to have any contact with foreign countries, and it feels like being collectively sentenced to life imprisonment.
Although Sikkim has been annexed by India for 45 years, there has never been a popular movement for independence in Sikkim. Obviously, most people have recognized India from their hearts.
In essence, there are not many aborigines in Sikkim, but Nepalese immigrants and Indians, and some people choose to leave Sikkim. The younger generation has long been ignorant of Sikkim's history and royal family. Maybe it won't be long before the former Sikkim kingdom will be gradually forgotten by people.