A Hindu Priest was shot dead by LTTE gunmen at Mamangama in Batticaloa, early this morning.

The victim was identified as Subramanium Kamalaraj, 32, the chief priest of the 'Sri Sivamuttu Kali Amman Kovil', at Mamangama. The priest's body was found riddled with T-56 gunshots, Batticaloa Police sources said. Police and security forces are now conducting search operations in the area.