Discover Public Health (2024) 21:153 | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-024-00295-7 Perspective predominantly residing in India and Chin in Burma. Notwithstanding this political partition, the cultural and ethnic bonds between the Mizo and Chin people persist robustly to the present day. Therefore, the former Chief Minister, Zoramthanga, wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 18 March stating that the Mizoram State of Government could not remain indifferent to their suffering. India cannot turn had close contact with the people of the state, even before India a blind eye to this humanitarian crisis, unfolding right in front of us in our own backyard [12]. During a meeting with the New Chief Minister of Mizoram State of India, Home Minister Amit Shah stated that refugees from conflict-hit Myanmar who have taken shelter in Mizoram State of India will not be deported until the situation in the neighbouring country improves. The statement guaranteeing that refugees will not be expelled until the situation in Myanmar is enhanced demonstrates the recognition of the humanitarian issues at hand. However, continued pressure to collect biometrics from Myanmar refugees remains a major concern due to fear of deportation [11]. In contrast, the Mizoram government stated that it would not gather biometric data on Myanmar refugees despite facing pressure from the central government in 2023 [13]. Furthermore, the Mizoram government and local NGOs have supplied Myanmar refugees with necessities such as food, blankets, and other essential items to fulfil their basic needs and allow refugee children access to education and healthcare in public hospitals [10]. Furthermore, local communities have provided refugees with considerable support, as evidenced by cases such as those of Vanlalchaka from Zokhawthar, who welcomed those in need of their homes, highlighting the enduring cultural and ethnic ties that extend beyond political boundaries [14]. The Mizoram government facilitated the integration of refugees into local communities, including the enrolment of children in schools. 2.2 Manipur’s unfriendly stance In contrast, the Manipur government took a hardline stance against Myanmar refugees after the coup. The Manipur government did not have a clear clarification and characterized them as “undocumented and illegal immigrants.” [15, 16]. Furthermore, the Cabinet Sub-committee chaired by Letpao Haokip began collecting biometric data on allegedly illegal immigrants from Myanmar in February 2023 [17]. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Biren Singh, the government has frequently portrayed the presence of Myanmar refugees as a security threat, thereby intensifying pre-existing ethnic tensions, especially between the Meitei and Kuki populations. Chief Minister Biren Singh further claimed that “unnatural growth of 996 New Villages Due to Illegal Immigration: Threat to Indigenous People and National Security expressed” and further asserted that “new villages have emerged due to a massive influx of illegal immigrants from Myanmar since 2006 till date. During this period, massive forest cover was destroyed to establish settlements and carry out poppy plantations” on Twitter on April 29, 2024 [18]. Remarkably, the government of Manipur alleged that some illegal Myanmar immigrants participated in unlawful poppy cultivation and deforestation within the state and had incurred certain factions, suggesting that this was one of the factors contributing to the violence that occurred between the Kuki and Meitei communities in Manipur [17]. This communal violence has resulted in the forced displacement of more than 70,000 individuals [19]. This situation has led to an increase in the harsh treatment of Myanmar refugees, as evidenced by accounts of detentions and the forced removal of those entering the state. Myanmar refugees in Manipurs are subject to extended prison detention and inadequate access to healthcare [20]. For instance, two females hailing from Myanmar, Ma Myint and Mukhai, aged 46 and 40 years, respectively, died of Covid-19 at a district hospital situated in the state of Manipur in June 2021. It is worth noting that both were among the 29 Myanmar nationals who were appointed on 31 March under the Foreigners Act to enter the country without valid travel documents. Subsequently, the district court placed them in judicial custody [21]. They were only taken to a hospital once their illness was critical, and both died within 3 days of admission [22]. Myanmar refugees are constantly plagued by the fear of being evicted and forcibly returning to their home country. In January 2023, 81 refugees from Myanmar, including ten children, were apprehended in the Manipur state for unauthorised entry, which placed them at risk of being forced to return to their home country [23]. As of December 2023, approximately 100 individuals from Myanmar have been detained in Manipur prisons [24]. In May 2024, the government announced the deportation of 77 “illegal immigrants from Myanmar” as part of the “first phase” of deportations [25]. Vol.:(0123456789)