SRINAGAR - Three protesters, including a girl, were killed Sunday in Indian Kashmir, taking to nine the number of young people shot dead by security forces in three days of street clashes, police said.

The latest casualties mark the deadliest phase in the Muslim-majority Himalayan territory since June 11, when turmoil erupted after a 17-year-old student was killed by a police tear-gas shell.

Sunday`s deaths took place in Pampore town, about 13 kilometres (eight miles) south of Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian Kashmir.

"One protester was killed and four others injured when security forces opened fire at thousands of violent protesters in Pampore," said a police officer who did not want to be named.

He said one of the injured protesters later succumbed to his injuries in hospital.

Witnesses said security forces again opened fire at a funeral procession of one of the two dead men near Pampore, killing a 17-year-old girl.

Police confirmed the death but said they were collecting details.

The two men were killed when security forces opened fire with rifles when thousands of residents in Pampore defied a strict curfew, blocked the region`s main highway and attacked security personnel.

Residents said they were holding a peaceful protest against Indian rule when security troops fired on them.

The shooting brought even more people out onto the streets. They attacked police with rocks and sticks, witnesses said, and set fire to three government buildings and two vehicles.

A total of 26 civilians, mostly young men in their teens or early 20s, have died in clashes with Indian security forces in the Muslim-majority Kashmir since June.

BDST: 19.19 HRS, August 01, 2010