Deported leader of the banned United Liberation Front of Asom, Anup Chetia, on Monday said he was ready for peace talks with the government. He also asked for forgiveness from the people of Assam for his “past mistakes,” PTI reported. Chetia, who was incarcerated in Bangladesh for 18 years, is an accused in a number of murder, abduction and extortion cases.

After being produced in a Guwahati court in connection with two cases under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act, the ULFA general secretary said, “I pay tribute to the people who lost their lives for opposing our revolution and pray for peace of their souls.” He also expressed his gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi for their efforts in his extradition.