SRINAGAR: Thousands of Indian troops enforced a strict curfew in parts of Kashmir on Wednesday, after three teenagers were shot dead by security forces, sparking arson and rioting.

Six people have been killed in the last four days and 11 in less than three weeks during demonstrations against the killing of Kashmiris by Indian forces which began with the death of a schoolboy earlier this month.

Each death has sparked a new cycle of violence and state chief minister Omar Abdullah appealed Tuesday for calm and for people to stay in their homes.

A curfew is in force in northern Sopore town for the fifth day running and neighbourhoods have been locked down in the Kashmiri summer capital Srinagar and other towns in Muslim-majority Kashmir valley.

The fatal shootings on Tuesday, in which three teenagers died, took place in southern Anantnag district, about 55 kilometres (34 miles) south of the Kashmiri summer capital Srinagar.

Residents claimed the three were not part of the protest and crowds set fire to state-owned trucks, ambulances and a petrol pump in retaliation, according to police.

The protesters marched though the town chanting "Blood for Blood!".
"Strict curfew is in force in the town and its adjoining villages," police officer Showket Ahmed said.

Indian Kashmir has been wracked by street protests since June 11, when a 17-year-old student died after being hit by a teargas shell fired by police during a pro-independence demonstration in Srinagar.

The violence is seen as a major test for Abdullah, who came to power last year promising to improve human rights.

Even where curfews were not in place Wednesday, life came to standstill because of a general strike called for the second day running by separatists. Shops, schools and offices were closed.

India has an estimated 500,000 soldiers in Kashmir, which is jointly administered by India and Pakistan, a legacy of British colonial rule on the subcontinent.

Both countries claim Kashmir in full, however, and have fought two of their three wars over it.

BDST: 11:57 HRS, June 30, 2010