The death toll from clashes between police and supporters of a banned protest group in Pakistan-administered Kashmir has risen to 20, officials confirmed Friday. The unrest centers around the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), an anti-government coalition demanding economic and governance reforms.

The JAAC, which was designated a terrorist organization under Pakistan’s anti-terrorism laws last week, has continued to organize protests despite the ban. Initial government figures released Monday reported seven fatalities—three civilians and four police officers—and dozens injured. By Friday, that number had increased significantly.

Malik Zafar, the higher education minister for the region, reported that seven deaths occurred this week during clashes in his Kotli constituency. Sardar Waheed, the commissioner of Rawalakot, the top civilian official there, stated that 12 people, including four police officers, had been killed in his jurisdiction. Additionally, Khurram Iqbal, a senior police official in Mirpur, confirmed that a protester died during confrontations with security forces on Wednesday.

The disturbances have disrupted daily life in the region's main city of Muzaffarabad, where many shops have closed in solidarity with the JAAC’s calls for a business strike. Communication has also been affected, with mobile internet largely unavailable to residents amid ongoing tensions.

The JAAC has condemned its terrorist designation, describing the move as oppression and asserting their demonstrations seek legitimate economic and political rights. Previous protests led by the group in September resulted in nine confirmed deaths during days of violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces.

The situation remains volatile as authorities contend with ongoing demonstrations while the JAAC continues to push for their demands in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.