Paris (AP) - France imposed a 12-day state of emergency on Wednesday after violence erupted in the Pacific island of New Caledonia. French Prime Minister Attal told parliament in Paris that the goal of imposing the emergency was to restore law and order as quickly as possible. The French Interior Ministry said such measures were last imposed in 1985. The French government has called for an end to the violence.

People in New Caledonia demanding independence from France

People in New Caledonia are demanding independence from France. French authorities said four people, including a paramilitary soldier, were killed and more than 300 people were injured in armed clashes and other violence on Monday in protest against voting reforms. Rioters set cars on fire and looted shops. More than 130 arrests have been made so far.

French military forces were deployed for security

French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal declared a state of emergency at 5 am on Thursday New Caledonia time. He said French military forces are being deployed to protect ports and airports. According to news agency Reuters, 10 people have been placed under house arrest. TikTok has been banned.

A large number of military personnel were deployed

The Home Ministry said 1,800 police and paramilitary personnel were already deployed on the islands. Another 500 were expected to arrive within hours. The top French official in the region, High Commissioner Louis Le Franc, warned that the situation was very serious and that many people could die if calm was not restored.

Opposing voting reforms

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin posted on Twitter that a police station was among dozens of places attacked and fired upon. A paramilitary soldier was also killed. The French government says it has always been ready for dialogue. People in New Caledonia are protesting against voting reforms. This week's unrest erupted as the French parliament in Paris began debating an amendment to the French constitution to allow changes to voter lists in New Caledonia.

The National Assembly on Wednesday approved a bill that, among other changes, would allow residents who have lived in New Caledonia for 10 years to vote in provincial elections. People fear this would marginalise indigenous people.

• New Caledonia became a French territory in 1853 under Napoleon's successor, Emperor Napoleon III.
• All locals were granted French citizenship in 1957, with a peace agreement signed in 1988.
• France promises to grant New Caledonia autonomy and hold three consecutive referendums
• Three referendums were held between 2018 and 2021. Most voters chose to remain part of France
• Pro-independence locals rejected the results of a previous referendum in 2021.