India should protect Sri Lankan Tamils, says Karunanidhi

DMK president M Karunanidhi on Wednesday condemned Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa for ruling out greater political autonomy for Tamils in the island nation, and urged the Indian government to wake up to reality.

In a statement here referring to Rajapaksa’s recent remarks ruling out greater political autonomy to Tamils in Sri Lanka, Karunanidhi urged the Indian government to protect the democratic rights of Tamils in Sri Lanka.

Charging Rajapaksa with not honouring commitments made to India and global organisations on the issue of automomy to Tamils, Karunanidhi said Rajapaksa’s latest announcement deserved to be condemned.

Karunanidhi, recalling various agreements signed by the Sri Lankan government, said it had become evident that the island nation had failed to honour written commitments.

In his 65th Independence Day speech, Rajapaksa, addressing the nation Monday, ruled out greater political autonomy for Tamils.

He said the division of people based on ethnicity was not practical.