SEPARATIST demonstrators clashed with government forces in Jammu & Kashmir state today over the 2013 execution of rebel Mohammed Afzal Guru, leaving one male civilian dead and another critically wounded.

Government forces fired on the stone-throwing crowd in Palhalam village, north of the main city of Srinagar.

Hundreds of police and paramilitary soldiers were patrolling the region during a strike called by separatists to mark the anniversary of the execution.

Srinagar’s streets were nearly deserted as shops and offices closed.

Authorities imposed a curfew in parts of Srinagar and detained at least 100 activists to prevent violent protests.

Kashmiris were incensed when Mr Guru was hanged in secret in a New Delhi jail.

Many believe that he was not given a fair trial on charges of involvement in a 2001 attack on parliament that killed 14 people, including five gunmen.