SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- The authorities lifted week-long curfew Saturday imposed on Muslim dominated areas of Indian-controlled Kashmir to prevent the backlash in the wake of the execution of 2001 Indian parliament attack convict Mohammed Afzal Guru, police said.
The strict restrictions were withdrawn from almost all the towns including Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian- controlled Kashmir.
"There will be no curfew on Saturday," said Ashok Prasad, the region's Director General of Police.
However, the shops and business remained closed in view of the shutdown call given by head of hardline faction of Hurriyat (freedom) Conference Syed Ali Geelani against the detention of around 130 young men. Public transport is also off the roads but private vehicles were seen plying.
People were purchasing vegetables and other essentials from street vendors and small shopkeepers.
"Hurriyat has called for two-day strike for Feb. 16 and 17 against government's decision to put in place strict curbs across Kashmir and arresting the youths," Geelani told media. "There will be no strike Monday onward till we discuss future course of action. We will strive hard to seek the body of Guru from Tihar jail."
Officials have deployed police and paramilitary troops mostly in towns to foil protests and clashes.
Indian authorities last Saturday hanged Guru in New Delhi's Tihar jail and buried him inside its premises.
Violent protests against Guru's hanging since last Saturday has left three people dead and dozens including some policemen injured.
Meanwhile the authorities have restored mobile internet and cable TV network in the region.
Guru, a Kashmiri resident, was convicted by Indian authorities for his role in the December 2001 attack on India's Parliament building, which killed several Indian security personnel and five attackers. He was sentenced to death in 2004 by Indian Supreme Court. The sentence was supposed to have been carried out on Oct. 20, 2006. However, the sentence was stayed after Guru's wife filed a mercy petition.
Officials in New Delhi said Indian President rejected Guru's mercy petition on Feb. 3 and thereafter decision for his hanging was executed.
Many people including Guru's family believed he was denied a fair trial in the case.
Anti-India sentiment runs deep in the psyche of majority of Kashmiris and separatists, who have been demanding an end to New Delhi's rule in the region.
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