Hug me please!

Mumbai/Hyderabad, August 8: Depressed over religious discrimination, which is still continuing in the modern days, a Muslim youth launched a novel protest. Mazim Mullah stands blindfolded on the footpath near Gateway of India in Mumbai. He holds a placard with a caption - "I am a Muslim. I believe you. Do you believe me? If so, come and hug me." Some people were surprised while some others really hugged him. While a few others asked him as to why he is doing this. "To know the public response," was his answer and dwells over his story. The reason behind his act is - 'Islamophobia'. The meaning of this word as per Oxford Dictionary is disbelief or fear towards Islam and people who follow it. After seeing many boards like 'house on rent only for people of particular caste or religion', he became unhappy. To show his unhappiness over this, Mazim took up this novel protest. A Canadian Muslim youth in last February also staged a similar protest. He also stood blindfolded and offered hugs.