- French residents living in New Caledonia allowed to vote
- Fears that this decision will diminish the importance of the natives’ vote
- 200 people were arrested in the violent demonstration
Riots broke out in New Caledonia, thousands of kilometers from the country, after lawmakers in the French capital Paris agreed on the new bill. Actually, New Cadelonia is a territory adjacent to Australia, which is ruled by France.
Law passed in Paris
French residents who have lived in New Caledonia for 10 years will be allowed to vote in provincial elections, according to a new bill passed in Paris. Some local leaders fear that the decision will dilute the importance of indigenous (Kanak) votes. Violence has been going on in New Caledonia for the past three days over this bill. Meanwhile, a top French official said Thursday morning that armed forces had been deployed to protect New Caledonia’s two airports and ports. Four people were killed in these violent riots. France declared a state of emergency in view of this violent demonstration.
Many policemen were injured
French High Commissioner Louis Le Franc said that gendarmes faced five thousand protesters in three municipalities, three to four thousand of whom were from the capital, Noumea. He further said, “200 people were arrested. Some policemen were injured.”
Declaration of emergency in France
France declared a state of emergency in New Caledonia. Protesters set several vehicles on fire. Along with this, they also looted many shops. Speaking on the current situation, Noumea resident Yon Fleurot said he saw looting taking place. Some shop owners are giving permission for raids on their own accord. They request not to damage the shop. Three young Kanaks were killed in this violence. A 24-year-old policeman also lost his life due to bullet injuries. The state of emergency will remain in place for the next 12 days. The administration has also banned Tik-Tok video app.
It is worth mentioning that France occupied the mineral rich New Caledonia in 1853. Residents there were granted French citizenship in 1957. According to reports, there has been a long-standing tension between Kanaks and Europeans here.
