Police in Pakistan-administered Kashmir arrested dozens of supporters of a banned organization on Saturday ahead of a planned protest march, according to officials and witnesses.

The arrests followed the regional government's decision on Friday to outlaw the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), citing concerns over public order and security.

The ban comes after weeks of tensions between the group and authorities over a 38-point list of demands, including subsidized wheat and electricity, as well as broader political and economic rights.

Officials said that 36 of the demands had already been accepted last year following negotiations involving JAAC representatives, regional authorities and Pakistan’s federal government.

Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, the prime minister of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, said the government remains open to dialogue with JAAC leaders regarding the two remaining unresolved issues.

However, JAAC has refused to withdraw its planned protest march scheduled for Tuesday, insisting that all of its demands must be met.

According to Rathore, one of the unresolved issues relates to 12 seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees in the region’s legislative assembly.

Security has been tightened across Pakistan-administered Kashmir ahead of the planned demonstrations.

The Himalayan region of Kashmir is divided between Pakistan and India, with both countries claiming it in full. Since independence from British rule in 1947, the two nuclear-armed neighbours have fought two of their three wars over the disputed territory.

The latest tensions come a year after deadly clashes between JAAC supporters and security forces that left several people dead, including police personnel.

On Saturday, JAAC alleged that two of its members were injured when police opened fire during an operation. Police rejected the claim, saying officers came under fire from armed individuals who allegedly ignored orders to stop their vehicle during an overnight encounter.