Rescue flights from violence-hit New Caledonia continue to evacuate people

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) – Rescue flights from violence-hit New Caledonia continued to evacuate people on Sunday, with hundreds of tourists remaining stranded in the Pacific territory controlled by the French from Paris.

Over 100 New Zealand nationals are still stuck in the territory after a fourth special flight carrying 57 Kiwis left the Pacific island for Auckland on Saturday, the New Zealand Herald reported.

Over 500 people from different nations have already been evacuated from New Caledonia, which descended into violent demonstrations over proposed electoral changes, forcing Noumea’s international airport to shut down.

Some 108 New Zealanders are still stranded on the island.

A constitutional change passed by Paris to give French residents of New Caledonia who have been there for more than 10 years the right to vote in provincial elections sparked protests, raising concerns about the indigenous Kanak population's political representation being reduced.

Seven people have died since riots that broke out two weeks ago. Some 115 police officers and gendarmes have been injured, and 370 people arrested.

Since the 1800s, New Caledonia has been ruled from Paris, but many Indigenous Kanaks continue to resent France's control over their islands and seek greater autonomy or independence.