Over 30 people have been killed and around 200 others have been injured during clashes between protesters and security forces in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) after authorities banned the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC)– a prominent civil society alliance that has spearheaded protests over economic and political grievances in the region.

The JAAC was outlawed on Friday by authorities, citing concerns over public order and security. Clashes broke out in the Rawalakot region after tensions flared over the death of a trader, who was allegedly shot during a confrontation with law enforcers on Friday night.

India maintains that Pakistan has been in illegal possession of Indian territory in the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Police said the JAAC protesters had gathered outside a hospital mortuary on Sunday, where the body of another group member was taken after his death in a firing by police.

When security forces tried to disperse the protesters, the group’s activists used automatic rifles, petrol bombs and other weapons to target them, according to police.

“As the result of the law enforcers’ response, six protesters were killed,” Sardar Waheed Khan, commissioner of the Poonch sector in the region, told news agency Reuters.

Authorities also confirmed multiple arrests during the operation. However, local residents and JAAC supporters disputed the official account and claimed the number of civilian casualties was much higher.

The clashes occurred a day ahead of planned protests by JAAC, which had called the strike to protest against the reservation of 12 seats for refugees in July 27 elections to the region’s legislative body, out of 45 up for grabs.