Srinagar, Feb 16 (IANS) Curfew, imposed after the execution of parliament attack convict Afzal Guru Feb 9, was lifted in the entire Kashmir Valley Saturday after seven days, police said. Internet services were also restored.
Director General of Police Ashok Prasad said curfew had been lifted from the entire valley Saturday following improvement in the law and order situation.
"The situation is being closely monitored. We have kept minimum deployment of security forces on the ground as the situation has shown signs of improvement," Prasad told IANS.
The blockade on Internet services was also lifted after seven days in the Valley Friday evening. The functioning of local papers and cable TV, which was also stopped, had been allowed to resume from last Tuesday.
Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel deployed at sensitive places in Srinagar did not stop public and vehicular movement in the city.
As news of the curfew being lifted spread, people stepped out of their homes to buy essential goods like food and medicines.
However, main markets and public transport remained suspended in the entire Valley following the shutdown call given by Syed Ali Geelani, chairman of the hardline Hurriyat group.
Geelani extended his shutdown call till Sunday, asking people to resume normal activities Monday.
Some incidents of youth pelting security forces with stones were reported from Nowhatta area of old Srinagar.
A Spanish tourist was among five people injured Friday in the Kashmir Valley as sporadic protests erupted against Guru's hanging.
Despite a valley-wide curfew, protestors took to the streets in areas and clashed with security forces.
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