By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: A day after the KSU castigated the State Government for not including West Khasi Hills in the list of districts where the Judiciary would be separated from the Executive, the latter has clarified that the separation is being done in a phased manner and the concerned district will be covered in due time.
In a statement issued here on Thursday, Secretary, Law Department, LM Sangma said that certain principles and difficulties come in the way of bringing about the separation at one go. Hence, the process is being effected in a phased manner on the basis of the number of cases in the respective districts.
“The four districts (East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills, Ri Bhoi and West Garo Hills) which have a higher number of cases have been taken up first for the separation,” he said.
Sangma also informed that the process of separation will be initiated in Nongpoh on August 31 and it will also cover Nongstoin, Williamnagar and Baghmara in due time.
There is a shortage of judicial officers, Sangma informed adding that recruitment has already been made for Grade III judicial officers who are now undergoing the one-year training.
On Wednesday, the KSU had demanded that West Khasi Hills being one of the oldest districts in the State should have been given priority in the list for the separation.