French police shoot 2 civilians dead in New Caledonia

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – At least two civilians were shot dead in fresh clashes between natives of New Caledonia and French security forces.

The fresh clashes erupted Wednesday night when police forces attempted to enter Saint Louis village near capital Noumea, Pacific Desk of Radio New Zealand reported on Thursday.

It takes the total toll of killings in New Caledonia to 13, including two gendarmes, since violence began in May.

Police said they were on a mission to "arrest and question a number of individuals wanted and suspected of being implicated in criminal acts" amid the prolonged conflict.

The overseas French colony has seen massive riots because of an electoral reform to allow long-term French residents to participate in local elections.

France declared a state of emergency and deployed additional forces to assist forces in reinstating order and has been imposing periodic curfew to thwart any uprising.

Amid dialogue efforts, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on June 12 the suspension of the much-contested electoral reform plan in New Caledonia.

The bill, which has sparked widespread violence since May 13, would have granted voting rights in local elections to French nationals who have resided on the island for at least 10 years.

This proposal has been met with strong opposition from the indigenous Kanak population, who fear that such changes would diminish their electoral influence.​​​​​​​