SHILLONG: "We are not opposed to scientific mining but in the name of scientific mining, the role, privileges and involvement of local tribals cannot be overlooked," said senior NCP leader Purno A Sangma. "The NCP has asked the Congress-led government to be cautious in formulating the mining policy," Mr Sangma said at a media briefing at his official residence here. "Any policies which exclude the rights of the tribals confer under Tribals Act, Forest Act, role of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) and traditional institutions like the Syiems, Dolois, Nokmas cannot be applicable and acceptable. Under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, Central government has given power and authority to tribals to administer and have their ownership over major and minor mines," Mr Sangma stated. Maintaining that the draft mining policy has given no role to traditional institutions, Mr Sangma said it should be thoroughly discussed and debated by and all stakeholders should be taken into confidence. The party suggested that the policy should clearly declare that the State government would set up mining schools and colleges in every district of the State. The mining schools and colleges should impart education and relevant knowledge to local miners and the people about scientific mining, he said. He alleged that the present draft mining policy does not have any references to the rights of local tribals and that the government should be very cautious in implementing the policy. HASINA VISIT: Mr Sangma said he was trying to ensure that Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed tours Meghalaya during her upcoming official visit to India. "I am desperately trying to include Shillong and Tura in the itinerary of Sheikh Hasina during her visit to India next month," Mr Sangma said adding that he had been continuously pursuing the matter with the External Affairs minister. "It is very important for her to visit the North-East since the region can do trade with Bangladesh," he said. The NCP leader felt that such a high-profile visit would give a major boost to trade ties between the North East and the neighbouring country. "Issues such as the proposed Shillong-Sylhet bus service, transit route to vehicles from North East through Bangladesh and trade in general could be taken up then," Mr Sangma said. The former Lok Sabha Speaker said the newly constructed Bangabandhu Setu (bridge) in the Mynmensigh district of Bangladesh could be used by goods-carrying vehicles from the North East to reach 'mainland' India more conveniently by bypassing the 'chicken neck' corridor in Siliguri. "It would cut short the distance by around 700 km," he claimed.