Keletsole Mekro won the 18th edition of the inter-collegiate debate competition organised and held at Sazolie College.
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KOHIMA — Keletsole Mekro won the 18th edition of the inter-collegiate debate competition organised and held at Sazolie College, Phezhu, Jotsoma in Kohima as part of ‘Crimson Festiva’ 2026, on Friday.
Mekro, speaking against the motion that “Nagaland is a safe place for women”, emerged as the champion of this year’s edition, surpassing 10 other competitors representing various colleges.
She represented the host—Sazolie College—and won a prize money of INR 15,000 along with a certificate.
While Hrȕzhȕni Kema from Capital College of Higher Education, Kohima, stood second and was awarded INR 10,000 along with a certificate.
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A Angam Wangsa from Alder College, Kohima stood third and was awarded INR 7,500. They also spoke against the motion.
The consolation winners include Kethoneino Vimero, St. Joseph College (Autonomous), Jakhama; Lhingmoichong from Modern College, Piphema; Sonkim Chang from Sao Chang College, Tuensang; Aldrin Lerthankhun Zote from Model Christian College, Kohima; and S Joshua from Kohima Science College. They were awarded INR 1,000 each.
Lanuienla Imchen, Helpline Administrator, Women Helpline, Nagaland, was the critic for the event, while the judges for the competition were Apila Sangtam, advocate, researcher and Human Rights Activist; Bendangsashi Walling, pastor, Kohima Ao Baptist Arogo (KABA); and Rokokhrielie Seüno, programme officer, SCPS–Mission Vatsalya Nagaland, Department of Social Welfare.
Earlier, during the programme, Dr Limanaro Imsong, convenor, debate committee, delivered the welcome address, while Sensonaro Longchar, dean of students, moderated the competition. Sungjemmenla Longkumer, assistant professor, Department of English, and Edward Sangtam, assistant professor, Department of Political Science, served as timekeepers. Temsuakum, Member, Debate Committee, tendered the vote of thanks, and the programme was led by Ketholenuo Mepfhuo, Assistant Professor, Department of History.
Other competition results
Snail eating: First—Rampaungwangheung Hengwang (Eastern Christian College); Second—Akivi Achumi (Sazolie College)
Winnowing: First—Pensimyile N Hau (Model Christian College); Second—Kanitoli Achumi (Alder College)
Machete: First—S Angam Wangsa (Alder College); Second—Akivi Achumi (Sazolie College)
Wrestling: First—Kekhriesielie Metha (Kohima College, Kohima); Second—Khrȕlhuto Venyo (Kohima College, Kohima); Third—Khriesavituo Nakhro (St. Joseph College (A), Jakhama); Fourth—Shiyevi (Eastern Christian College)
Flower Arrangement: First - Kanitoli Achumi (Alder College); Athono Yhokha (St. Joseph's College Autonoomous) and Niputo Yeptho (Eastern Christian College) only Male Participant.
Chess: First - Khalipa (Sazolie College); Iloto Seb (Kohima Science College Second)