Violence Erupts in New Caledonia: Tourists Trapped, Sixth Fatality Reported

France declared a state of emergency in New Caledonia for 11 days due to protests over voting reforms supported by the government in Paris. The protests were about changes to voting rules and were met with violence. The indigenous population of New Caledonia, which has been seeking independence, was involved in the unrest. The French authorities deployed 1,000 extra security personnel to control the situation. Unfortunately, six people, including two police officers, lost their lives during the protests. Many others were injured and arrested for causing trouble. The state of emergency imposed a curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. to maintain order. The French military was called in to protect important locations like ports and airports. Those who broke the curfew could face prison time and fines. The violence continued in some areas, with buildings being set on fire. The situation worsened due to roadblocks in the city, making it hard for people to access medical care. The protests were triggered by changes to the French Constitution that would allow long-term residents of New Caledonia to vote in local elections. This move was met with opposition, especially from the indigenous Kanak community, who feared their voting power would be diluted. The unrest affected not only the locals but also tourists visiting the island, leaving them stranded and in need of assistance. The tourism industry in New Caledonia, which was slowly recovering from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, suffered further due to the riots. People were stuck in long queues outside shops for essential supplies. The situation was described as frightening by those affected, including tourists and residents. The ongoing violence and uncertainty about when flights would resume added to the distress of those trapped on the island.