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Paris: The French government on Wednesday announced the imposition of a state of emergency in New Caledonia for at least 12 days. This has created a stir in the entire country. The objective of the French government behind this step is to provide more powers to the police to control the ongoing protests in the Pacific region. Let us tell you that so far 4 people have died in the ongoing violent protests in New Caledonia. French government spokeswoman Prisca Thevenot announced the decision to impose the state of emergency after a cabinet meeting in Paris on Wednesday afternoon. According to French media reports, 130 people have been arrested since Monday and more than 300 have been injured.
Protests began on Monday in New Caledonia against France’s efforts to expand the voter roll. The New Caledonia islands have been tense for decades between native Kanakas who want independence and those who want to remain part of France. The French Interior Ministry on Tuesday sent police to New Caledonia, which was long used as a prison. There have been clashes between police and protesters despite a curfew and a ban on gatherings in and around the capital Noumea.
President holds meeting on situation in New Caledonia
Before imposing the state of emergency, French President Emmanuel Macron met with top ministers to discuss the current situation in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia. Even Macron was shocked to hear the demands of New Caledonia. In such a situation, emergency was imposed to bring the situation under control. Meetings of the Special Defense and Security Council are usually attended by Macron and selected officials, including Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and the ministers of defense, interior, economy and foreign affairs. A person was shot dead here on Wednesday amid violence over constitutional reforms. The demand for independence has been rising in New Caledonia for a long time.
