The Indian occupation of Sikkim is an ongoing violation of international rights.
In reaction to a previous posting the RadicalRoyalist received a testimonial from a former fellow student of Prince Wangchuk Tenzing Namgyal (*1st April 1953), second son of the 12th Chogyal of Sikkim, Palden Thondup Namgyal (+ 29th January 1982). He was crowned as Sikkim's 13th king after his elder brother, Crown Prince Tenzing Namgyal was killed in a road "accident" on 11th March 1978.
David from London wrote: "I have read much about the political situation in Sikkim, especially at the time the 11th Chogyal was dealing with the Nepalese, the Indians and the Chinese. It certainly is a tragic story, after so many centuries of the monarchy. It would be very interesting to get the perspective of the 13th Chogyal on the situation – although I don’t suppose much will change now.
A small story about Wangchuk that may amuse you:"
He [Prince Wangchuk] used to accompany a small group of us to the pub at lunchtimes. He was never a big drinker, but used to participate in the banter, and enjoy the company.
One day I asked him where he came from - he replied:
“Sikkim – it’s a small country in the Himalayas, between Bhutan and Nepal”.
I then asked, “So why are you here in London, Wangchuk?”
“Oh, my father thought it would be a good idea for me to get a British education”.
My next question was: “So what does your father do in Sikkim, Wangchuk?”
“Oh, he’s in the government.”
“So what does he do in the government, Wangchuk?”
“Oh, he’s quite senior actually...”
“Well, how senior, Wangchuk?”
“Well, really quite senior.”
“Come on, Wangchuk – what does he do??”
“Oh for goodness sake, he’s the King, OK?!”
Stunned silence ensued, followed by an animated conversation about the political situation, and how unhappy his father was...
Wangchuk was always the most charming chap, although quite self effacing. I enjoyed his company immensely.
Sikkim's Royal Family, Prince Wangchuk is second from the right(with spectacles).
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3 comments:
It pains me that the occupation of Sikkim remains so largely forgotten throughout the world. Hardly anyone seems to know such a place exists, much less that it was occupied by India and had its monarchy torn from it. There's few things that bewilder and anger more than the fickle way some country's misfortunes are taken up as fashionable causes for protest while others are totally ignored.
A very entertaining anecdote!
i feel so sad for Sikkim after reading the story and evil intents on India side which finally snatched the crown of 300 years in one clinch. The world should resist rather than accept such expansionism . Soon would be Bhutan also annexed by India like the seven sisters and Kashmir.
i feel sad that small countries cant exist in the ruthless world of majority and minorities are let with no option to live on its own. is this world only for Might is Right'
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