ISLAMABAD, Jan 19: Politicians, civil society activists and students of federally administered tribal area (Fata), on Saturday, held a protest against the killings of 18 people in Bara Tehsil, Khyber Agency.

The killings of 18 people on January 15, 2012, still remains a mystery, as they were shot at an unknown location but later their bodies were dumped at Alam Godhar area of Bara.

The killings lead to protests in Peshawar and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial assembly on Friday, January 18, 2013, condemned the killings.

Out of 18, eight victims belonged to one family, while three — reportedly — were members of another family. So far it has not been ascertained whether the victims were militants or not.

MNA Bushra Gohar from Awami National Party (ANP), civil society members Tahira Abdullah, Samar Minallah, Farzana Bari, Nilofer Afridi, Dr Rakshinda, Shahid Orakzai, members of Hazara community and a large number of students from Fata, gathered outside the national press club.

The protesters demanded that Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR) should be abolished because the people of Fata were suffering because of it.

Participants also arranged a candlelight vigil to show solidarity with the families of the 18 people murdered.

Protesters chanted slogans against the government and demanded the arrest of the people involved in the crime.

Human rights activist Tahira Abdullah while talking to Dawn said that it was a terrible incident and the government should take steps to counter elements killing innocent Pakistanis.—A Reporter