Srinagar, Oct 30 (IANS): Six non-local labourers were shot dead by militants on Tuesday in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district. All six were from West Bengal's Murshidabad, police sources said.

Police sources said that the militants came to Katrasoo village of Kulgam, took out the masons and carpenters from outside the state working there and opened fire at them, killing five of them on the spot. The sixth succumbed to his injuries while being taken to a hospital.

Sources said that some more labourers could be missing.

Security forces have rushed to the spot and thrown a cordon around the area, while a high alert has been sounded.

The attack came as a delegation of Members of European Parliament arrived in Srinagar to see the ground situation, amid sporadic incidents of violence and a shutdown.

The visit triggered violence with incidents of stone pelting and clashes were reported from several areas in Srinagar including Chanpora, Rambagh, and Maisuma among others, leaving six people reportedly injured.

Shops and businesses remained closed and even private transport was playing less than routine in view of heightened tension.

In some areas, youths had blocked the road to prevent the movement of traffic.

There were also reports of firing on a security patrol in Drubgaon in Pulwama in south Kashmir, but no injuries were reported.