Srinagar, Feb 16 (IANS): Curfew was lifted in the entire Kashmir Valley after seven days as the law and order situation improved Saturday.

Director General of Police Ashok Prasad confirmed that curfew had been lifted from the entire valley Saturday following an 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.

Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel deployed at sensitive places in summer capital 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.