KOLKATA: Tripura governor Tathagata Roy is in the eye of a social media storm over his controversial comments on how the Pathankot terrorists should be "treated". But Roy remains unfazed.

His comments have prompted a debate on whether a line can be drawn between a governor's personal opinion and that as a head of state.

On January 4, the governor tweeted, "I seriously suggest Russian treatment to terrorists' carcasses. Wrap them in***skin, bury them face down in *** excreta. No chance of Houris." On January 2, he had tweeted on similar lines, pointing out how a US general had lined up 50 'Islamist rebels' in Philippines and had 49 of them shot. "Reportedly, it worked. The Russians, following Gen Pershing's logic, are reportedly burying Chechen rebels in ***skin with face down," he tweeted.

His comments sparked an avalanche of criticism on social media. Unfazed, Roy tweeted on Wednesday: "Abuses keep pouring in. But I don't understand! Why this flood of sympathy for carcasses of jihadi terrorists? Abuse me, but plz clarify."

Roy who was in Kolkata on Wednesday, told TOI , "Yes, I am the governor of Tripura, but I am also a nationalist. I am not an Islamophobe. I am not making any communal statement here. Jihadis or suicidal maniacs don't have a religion. They are enemies of the state. The question is whether we think out of the box to contain them or treat them with kid gloves. What I have said is backed by anecdotal data."

Roy argued that his statements - dubbed communal and blasphemous - don't undermine his role as governor of a state. "As the figurative head of a communist-ruled state I am aware of my roles and responsibilities. I have never spoken and shall never speak against my government. I believe they have the popular people's mandate to rule. Having said that, I am also a nationalist. I am not aware of any statutes or laws which bar me from expressing my personal opinion on issues of national interest," he says.

He claims he isn't speaking against any religion. "Only a few days back, I was on an official visit to Bangladesh on a formal invite. I met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and several senior leaders there. Never for a moment, did they feel I was an Islamophobe. I speak with a nationalist intent. It has never been against religion or community," he explained.

The 70-year-old, a civil engineer and lawyer, is known for being outspoken. To prove his point, minutes after speaking to TOI he re-tweeted: "US General 'Black Jack' Pershing and how he stopped suicide jihadis in the Philippines."



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