7 months ago
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NEW DELHI: French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal denounced the riots in France's Pacific territory of New Caledonia on Tuesday, where businesses were set ablaze and shots were fired at police, stating that "violence is never a solution."
Attal emphasized to reporters, "Violence is never and can never be justified," asserting that the government's priority is to restore order, peace, and tranquility in New Caledonia.
The unrest in the territory stemmed from separatists' dissatisfaction with a proposed voting reform.
Earlier, authorities in New Caledonia imposed an overnight curfew and prohibited gatherings after violent disturbances erupted in the capital, Noumea.
According to the territory’s top French official, Louis Le Franc, 35 police and gendarme troops were injured, and 48 individuals were arrested during the unrest. Fortunately, no serious civilian casualties were reported.
The disturbances, described as "high intensity," caused significant damage to stores and video surveillance equipment in Noumea. Schools remained closed on Tuesday due to the unrest.
The upheaval reportedly began with protests against voting reforms being debated by French lawmakers in Paris, aiming to expand the electorate in New Caledonia.
The High Commission of the Republic in New Caledonia stated that "serious disturbances to public order are still underway" in Noumea and neighboring municipalities. Internal security forces and civil security forces have been mobilized to intervene.
To maintain public safety, gatherings in public areas have been prohibited in several municipalities, including Noumea, until Thursday afternoon. Travel on public roads and in public spaces in these municipalities has been restricted, except for essential health and emergency purposes.
New Caledonia’s High Commissioner, Louis Le Franc, called for calm and urged strict adherence to safety measures to ensure the well-being of the population.
(With inputs from agencies)
