Strike Triggered by Teen's Death Shuts Indian Kashmir

Shops, businesses, and offices were shut in Indian-controlled Kashmir Monday, after separatists called a strike to protest the death of a teenager.

Seventeen-year-old Tufail Ahmad Matoo was killed in the main town of Srinagar Friday during clashes between anti-India protesters and police.

Residents say Mattoo was hit by a teargas shell fired by police and was carrying a school bag when he was hit. Police say they are investigating the death.

Clashes between demonstrators and security forces have erupted in Srinagar since the incident, with strict security restrictions in place to prevent further violence.

Kashmiri Muslim separatists have been fighting for two decades for independence from India or a merger with Muslim-majority Pakistan.

The insurgency has killed more than 47,000 people.

Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan, but claimed in its entirety by both. The neighbors have fought two wars over the region.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and AFP.