Atongjungla Walling, centre, poses with first runner-up Chubaienla Pongen and second runner-up Reshma Sahani after being crowned Miss Mokokchung 2026 at Town Hall, Mokokchung, on August 14. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | August 15
Atongjungla Walling was crowned Miss Mokokchung 2026 at the grand finale held at Town Hall, Mokokchung, on Friday evening. Chubaienla Pongen was declared first runner-up, while Reshma Sahani was named second runner-up.
The pageant was organised by Forerunners Mokokchung and co-powered by the Beauty and Aesthetic Society of Nagaland (BASN). Held for the second consecutive year under the theme, “Bloom Beyond Boundaries,” the event brought together 11 contestants aged between 18 and 22.
18 year old, Walling, a Bachelor of Arts student majoring in English, aspires to become a cabin crew member. She hopes to combine her interest in serving people with her ambition to explore the world, while encouraging others to pursue their goals with confidence.
As the titleholder, Walling will receive direct entry to this year’s Miss Nagaland competition. The first and second runners-up will be eligible to audition for the state pageant.
First runner-up Chubaienla Pongen is a 20-year-old Bachelor of Arts student majoring in English. Her interests include gardening, sketching and cooking, and she aspires to become a teacher. She hopes to work with young people by promoting knowledge, confidence and self-belief.
Second runner-up Reshma Sahani, 19, is a Mass Communication and Journalism student. She plans to pursue a career in the media industry and has expressed an interest in storytelling, culture and opportunities for young women.
The other contestants were Aying Y Konyak, Imkongtula, Likhum S Sangtam, Limasungla Imsong, Lily Rai, Naomi Z Tsanglao, Sungjemtila and Yangersenla Pongen.
Individual titles were also awarded during the finale. Limasungla Imsong won Queen of Hearts, the People’s Choice Award. Lily Rai received both Miss Beautiful Smile and Miss Beautiful Skin. Likhum S Sangtam was named Miss Congeniality, while Yangersenla Pongen won Miss Perfect 10. Aying Y Konyak received Miss Runway, Walling was named Miss Photogenic, and Sahani won Miss Talented.
The contestants competed in three main segments: Traditional and Introduction, Dance Routine, and Evening Gown. Show director Neitho Khamo said the pageant aimed to provide young women with exposure in communication, presentation and public engagement, while creating a platform for them to address social issues and take up community-oriented initiatives.
Khamo, who is associated with Talent Foresight and Novaturient Managements, said the pageant industry in Nagaland was growing despite continuing misconceptions. He said pageants could help participants build confidence and develop skills relevant to sectors such as aviation, beauty, fashion and event management.
Dr Nochetla Tzudir, District Agriculture Officer, Mokokchung, attended the finale as chief guest, while Sashila Ozukum, founder and proprietor of Hope Academy, was the guest of honour.
Mele Pucho, president of the Northeast Beauty Pageant Organization and the BASN–Miss Nagaland Organization, served as chief judge. The judging panel included Roselinda Longchar, Shakshi Biswakarma and Jentiren Jamir. Sangyu Pongen served as chief tabulator.
The programme was hosted by Arenla Lemtur, proprietor of Soul House Academy, while Imnuksungla Jamir was the announcer.
The event featured performances by Sariwar Band, Ningdangri and Friends, Abdon Mech, Shau Evans, Elizabeth Khing, Tiakumla, Maongkar and Toshiwapang Imsong. Sariwar Band made its live debut by opening the show, while Abdon Mech performed in Mokokchung for the first time.
Shillong-based designer HM Hmingmawii was the evening-gown designer, while Manen Jamir of Manen Design handled the cocktail round. Sangthy LKR and Anung Imchen were the official makeup artists, and Khruku Ltu was the official photographer.
