India lifts strict curfew in occupied Kashmir

SRINAGAR: Police on Saturday lifted a strict curfew across Indian occupied Kashmir (IoK) imposed one week ago after the secret execution of Afzal Guru in New Delhi.

Authorities also restored mobile internet and cable television services that were blocked fearing massive protests by Kashmiris, said police officer Ashok Prasad. Anti-India sentiment runs deep in the region.

Mohammed Afzal Guru was hanged Feb. 9 in a New Delhi jail and buried there.

Many in Kashmir believe Guru did not receive a fair trial, and the secrecy with which the execution was carried out fueled anger in the region

A strict curfew has been in place since the execution, but groups of demonstrators have defied it and clashed with government forces. Three protesters have been killed and more than 100 have been detained, according to police.

Even as the curfew ended on Saturday, big shops and businesses remained closed in response to a two-day strike called by the All Parties Hurriyat conference, protesting the detention of more than 100 people and demanding their immediate release.