Mizoram tourism department director resigns amid MZP protest over favouritism charges

Aizawl: Officer on special duty to chief minister, R Lalrodingi, who was recently re-employed and appointed the director of the tourism department by Mizoram govt, on Thursday resigned from the post amid protests by the student body Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP).

In her resignation letter submitted to CM Lalduhoma, Lalrodingi said she was appointed director of tourism so that the development of tourism in the state would not be hampered. “However, my appointment has been strongly objected to by MZP, resulting in the closure of the office and stoppage of all work,” she added.

She said she was held accountable for the tourism department’s work being hampered, while the govt was also accused of favouritism. “I think that these accusations should end,” she added, asking the CM to remove her from the post.

Lalrodingi appealed to the CM to retain the post of the director of tourism and assign it to departmental officers after she vacated the position.

MZP, which picketed the tourism department’s office for 3 consecutive days, withdrew the agitation. The students’ body said they will continue to oppose any move by the govt makes to re-employ or extend the service of any retired govt employees.