Deadly violence erupted for a third consecutive day in New Caledonia, an island located in the South Pacific, as clashes between protesters, militias, and police intensified. The capital city of Noumea witnessed armed confrontations, arson attacks on buildings and vehicles, and widespread unrest. The escalating violence has resulted in the death of at least four people, making it the worst bout of turmoil experienced by the island since the 1980s.

In response to the situation, authorities have imposed a curfew in Noumea and enacted several measures including a ban on public gatherings, carrying weapons, and alcohol sales. Additionally, the main airport, usually bustling with tourists, has been closed to commercial traffic.

The current wave of violence is rooted in long-standing political tensions between New Caledonia's pro-independence indigenous Kanak communities and French inhabitants, who oppose breaking ties with France. The protests initially began on Monday when young individuals took to the streets in opposition to a vote in the French parliament proposing changes to New Caledonia's constitution. The proposed amendments seek to grant greater voting rights to French residents living on the islands.

On Tuesday, the legislation was overwhelmingly approved by legislators, paving the way for an increased number of French voters to be included in New Caledonia's electoral rolls. Pro-independence groups argue that these changes serve as an attempt by France to solidify its control over the archipelago.

Denise Fisher, a former Australian Consul-General in New Caledonia, expressed concern about the severity of the violence, stating that it marks the end of a three-decade-long period of relative peace. She also highlighted the Kanak people's objections, emphasizing their desire for negotiations that include another self-determination vote and other crucial issues.

French President Emmanuel Macron called for calm and issued a letter to New Caledonian political leaders urging them to denounce the violence unequivocally. He invited both pro- and anti-independence leaders to meet him in Paris for face-to-face discussions. President Macron will chair a defense and national security council meeting focusing on the unfolding violence.

The French military has been mobilized and additional squadrons have been sent to restore order on the island. With New Caledonia situated at the heart of France's Indo-Pacific vision, the violence raises questions about the legitimacy of France's influence in the region.

The unrest has led to significant casualties, including three indigenous Kanak individuals who were shot dead, and a French police officer who succumbed to injuries sustained during the riots. Despite the imposed curfew, protesters defied the restrictions, setting fire to buildings and vehicles and causing chaos in Noumea.

More than 140 people have been arrested, and over 60 security personnel have been injured in clashes between local nationalist groups and French authorities.

The escalating violence and instability in New Caledonia have raised concerns about the future of the territory's political autonomy. The island's history is marked by French colonization in the mid-19th century, followed by the marginalization of indigenous Kanak people and their ongoing struggles with poverty and unemployment.

Since the 1980s, New Caledonia has witnessed periodic bouts of violence, leading to the Noumea Accord in 1998, which promised greater political autonomy for the Kanak community. Multiple referendums on independence have been held in recent years, but each has been voted down, often due to boycotts and the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The current protests and violence stem from the issue of frozen voter rolls since the signing of the Noumea Accord. French lawmakers recently voted in favor of changing the constitution to "unfreeze" the electoral rolls, enabling French residents who have resided in New Caledonia for a decade to be included. The passing of this constitutional change necessitates approval from both houses of the French parliament.

French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal expressed a willingness to engage in talks with Kanak leaders before proceeding with the parliamentary vote. Conciliation, dialogue, and finding a political solution are emphasized as essential in addressing the situation.

As New Caledonia grapples with the ongoing unrest and the implications for its future, attention is increasingly turning to the high stakes involved for France and its efforts to exert influence in the strategically important Indo-Pacific region.