Indian executes militant for 2001 attack

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL

India has hanged a Kashmiri militant for an attack on the country's parliament in 2001.

Mohammad Afzal Guru, filmed here in 2006, was sentenced to death 10 years ago for helping organise the assault in New Delhi.

In December 2001, five militants stormed the parliament complex.

They were shot dead before entering the main chamber. Another ten people lost their lives.

India's interior minister confirmed the execution on Saturday (February 9), and said a mercy petition had been rejected.

SOUNDBITE: INDIA'S INTERIOR MINISTER, SUSHILKUMAR SHINDE, SAYING (English):

"The date was confirmed by the judicial officer on January 08, the time was also confirmed. Today at 8 am (local time) he was hanged."

Security was tightened across parts of Kashmir amid concerns the execution would trigger demonstrations.

India blamed the 2001 attack on Pakistan-backed militants who fight Indian rule in the disputed region.

Pakistan has denied involvement.