Did the Andijan administration spread false information again?

Reports recently emerged claiming that the statue of Zakhiriddin Muhammad Babur in Andijan city would be relocated to make way for a residential complex. The regional administration responded, asserting that discussions had taken place under the leadership of the Scientific Council on the relocation, involving Babur scholars and local elders, and necessary conclusions had been made. However, Rustamjon Mamasoliev, deputy chairman of the “Babur International Public Fund,” told QALAMPIR.UZ that he was unaware of any plans to relocate the statue.  

Mamasoliev explained, "Our chairman is undergoing treatment. I don't know if other Babur scholars are aware of the statue’s relocation. We were not involved in the discussion mentioned by the press secretary of the administration, and I only learned about the news through media reports."  

He added that a bridge is being constructed around the statue, and once completed, the statue would be placed beneath it, potentially leaving no suitable space for its current location. "If veterans and experts suggest moving it to a more appropriate place, we have no objection," he said.  

This raises a question: If the deputy chairman of the Babur International Public Fund is unaware of the statue's relocation, and the chairman is unavailable, who exactly are the Babur scholars referenced by the administration’s press service? Are they legitimate individuals, or is the regional administration providing false information?  

This situation recalls a previous incident earlier this summer when Andijan’s governor (regional governor), Shukhrat Abdurakhmanov, caused a stir at the “Dunyo Sadolari” international festival. At a reception following the event, he told journalists, “Don’t look for flaws in my words. Don’t be hasty and look for evil. You can’t do anything wrong anyway... Just thinking about it will make your hair turn gray or fall out, nothing else will happen.” These remarks quickly spread on social media and sparked widespread discussion. The regional administration’s press service later claimed that Abdurakhmanov had not addressed journalists with those words, but several media representatives who attended the event confirmed that he had.  

These incidents raise concerns about transparency and communication within the Andijan regional administration, with some questioning whether misinformation is being deliberately spread to the public.