Senior Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader and sitting Member of Legislative Assembly Mohammad Khalil Naikoo escaped a bid on his life in southern Kashmir's Shopian district on Wednesday afternoon.

According to the police, militants fired indiscriminately at Naikoo's vehicle while he was visiting his constituency Wachi near Muradpora village, 70 km from Srinagar [Images].

"The MLA was visiting his constituency and escaped unhurt. His armed escorts responded to the militant gunfire and later escorted him safely out of the ambush area," said a senior police officer.

However, the CPI (M) leader's bullet proof vehicle was damaged in the attack.

The area was later cordoned off and searched by the police.