The current monarchy of Sikkim began in 1642 with the crowning of Phuntsog Namgyal as Chogyal or king. The king was also a Buddhist priest who had been consecrated. During the Sino-Indian conflict of 1962, battles took place along the Nathu La pass, which connects Sikkim with Tibet. Dorji petitioned the Indian Parliament to elevate Sikkim's status to that of a state. On April 14, 1975, a referendum was held in which almost 97 percent of the populace voted in favour of joining India. The amendment was accepted by the President on May 15, 1975, and Sikkim was admitted to the Union of India as the country's 22nd state on May 16, 1975.
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