K Anurag from Guwahati reports: Reiterating his willingness to join the ongoing peace process between the Centre and the United Liberation Front of Assam faction led by Arabinda Rajkhowa, ULFA's founder 'general secretary' Anup Chetia today tendered his apology before the people of Assam for the violence carried out by the outfit in the course of its armed struggle for 'sovereignty'.

Talking to the media while being produced at Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act special court in Guwahati, Chetia said, "I would like to apologise to the people of Assam for any mistakes committed by us during our armed struggle."

He also paid his tribute to the people killed during the ULFA's armed struggle, including those who were killed by the outfit.

"Some sections have expressed apprehension that I may elope if set free (on bail). But I would like to state clearly that I support the ongoing talks and would like to be a part of it," he said.

When asked whether ULFA (Independent)'s chief Paresh Barua will also join the peace talks, Chetia avoided a direct reply and was taken away by the security personnel before he could make any further comments.

He also expressed gratitude to the prime minister, the home minister, the external affairs minister and the Assam chief minister for his extradition from Bangladesh.