An audio recording has surfaced on social media allegedly featuring Khokim (governor) of Kuva district, Khalimjon Umarov, insulting a farmer and ordering the forced seizure of his land. The incident has sparked public outrage and prompted an official investigation.

In the recording, published by Daryo.uz, a voice attributed to Umarov is heard using profane language towards a farmer during a meeting. The official allegedly says: “Hey you, don’t you want to talk to me? What the hell, are you playing with me? I’ve been looking for you for three days, can’t find you. Do you want me to put you in jail right now? Do you want to be jailed?” He then reportedly gives instructions to forcibly take the land.

The Fergana regional administration announced that an internal investigation has been launched to clarify the circumstances. Disciplinary measures are expected based on the findings.

Khalimjon Umarov has been serving as Khokim of Kuva district since February 2021. Prior to that, he was deputy Khokim of Fergana region for agriculture and water management.

This is not the first such incident: previously, the Khokim of Muzrabad district in Surkhandarya region, Abdulla Mamatkulov, was found to have verbally abused farmers who failed to meet grain delivery targets, even using obscene language against their mothers. The fact was confirmed, and the official received a reprimand.

Source: kun.uz