Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam on Wednesday strongly criticised Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa for ruling out greater political autonomy for Tamils, saying India should at least "wake up" now and help secure their livelihood and democratic rights.
"Rajapaksa has failed to honour the promise given to India and other global organisations for long on granting political autonomy with the latest announcement which should be condemned," DMK chief M Karunanidhi said in a statement.
Addressing the 65th Independence Day celebrations on Monday, the Sri Lankan president had ruled out greater political autonomy for Tamils, saying ethnicity-based division was "not practical" as people live together in unity and there were no racial or religious differences.
"It has become historically evident that none of the promises made on behalf of the Sinhalese to the Tamils have been fulfilled," Karunanidhi said.
"Knowing the true intentions of Rajapaksa, India should at least wake up now and with the help of the international organisations, protect Sri Lankan Tamils, their livelihood and democratic rights", he said.
