After violence struck New Caledonia, French security forces worked on Sunday to retake control of the highway to the international airport. The airport was shut due to the unrest in the French Pacific archipelago, where indigenous people have long sought independence from France.
A state of emergency was imposed on the island, which witnessed armed clashes, arson, and looting. An eventual reopening of the Nouma-La Tontouta airport could allow stranded passengers to leave the island.
The airport closed on Tuesday due to widespread protests against voting reforms.
Taking to X, French Interior Minister Grald Darmanin said that the major operation was aimed at fully regaining control of the RT1 highway between the capital, Nouma, and the airport 60 kilometres (nearly 40 miles) to the northwest.
Over 600 gendarmes were deployed, he added.
The police effort to reopen the airport road cleared nearly 60 barricades on its first day, French authorities in New Caledonia' posted on X.
Meanwhile, the French High Commission in a statement described the night of Sunday as "calmer" but still there were incidents of looting at a gas station.
A 6 pm to 6 am curfew is in effect and security forces have been granted emergency powers, including house detention for people deemed a threat to public order and expanded leeway to conduct searches, seize weapons and restrict movements, with possible jail time for violators, read the statement.
The High Commission also said 230 people it described as rioters have been detained.
As many as six people died in the violence at Kaala-Gomen, following an exchange of gunfire at a barricade in the north of the main island.
There have been decades of tensions between indigenous Kanaks seeking independence and descendants of colonizers who want to remain part of France.
(With PTI inputs)
