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Srinagar, July 19 (UNI) The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly security and staff refused to honour authority letters issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to journalists for entering the place of voting for today's Presidential polls.

When some journalists went to the state Legislature complex in the afternoon to gather information about the Presidential elections, they were refused entry to the place of voting.

The polling place was located in the lobby of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly.

''You cannot enter the lobby. We have strict directions from top and have been carrying the orders since morning. We have not allowed anybody inside the lobby,'' said a security official in civvies.

On being told that journalists were in possession of valid entry passes (authority letters) from the ECI, the security officials and the Assembly staff ignored the information and seemed visibily unmoved.

''You can speak to higher officials. We don't know who has issued these passes to you. Please go away now,'' said the official as anger was writ large on his face.

The authority letter issued by the ECI clearly mentions that a bearer could enter the place of voting, but strictly prohibits photography and videography inside the polling stations.

Earlier in the day, the photojournalists had decided to boycott the proceedings after they were refused entry to the polling place.

UNI