Violence in New Caledonia subsides slightly as France sends reinforcements for security

By THOMAS ADAMSON
Associated Press

PARIS (AP) — The number of violent incidents reported in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia has fallen slightly after France imposed a state of emergency. An extra 1,000 officers have been deployed to boost the power of the security forces to quell unrest in the archipelago whose Indigenous population has long sought independence. A curfew is now in effect across the territory from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. and will remain in force until the state of emergency is lifted. Clashes erupted Monday following protests over voting reforms that passed in the National Assembly in Paris. While the Indigenous Kanaks seek independence, the descendants of colonists want New Caledonia to remain part of France.