SRINAGAR: A young man was killed Tuesday when security forces opened fire at stone-throwing protesters in Indian Kashmir, police said, the latest in a series of deaths that have stoked public anger.

Indian police and paramilitary forces struggling to control protests in the Muslim-majority Kashmir valley have now killed 12 civilians in less than a month.

"The young man was killed when security forces opened fire at a very violent rally," a police officer who declined to be named told AFP.

The incident took place in Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian Kashmir, which has been at the centre of furious demonstrations since June 11 when a 17-year-old student died from a police teargas shell.

Tuesday`s death occurred when security forces opened fire to disperse a demonstration triggered by the disappearance of another protester, a witness said.

The youth went missing Monday evening after separatist protesters clashed with police and paramilitary forces in Srinagar.

Residents said he drowned in a stream during the clash, though no official comment has been issued on the allegation.

Crowds poured onto the streets on Tuesday morning chanting, "we want freedom" and "blood for blood."

Separatists have fought against rule by New Delhi for 20 years, campaigning for independence or for Muslim-majority Kashmir to join neighbouring Pakistan.

The insurgency, which India says is fuelled by Pakistan, has claimed tens of thousands of lives.

BDST: 12:09 HRS, July 6, 2010