Curfew is imposed in New Caledonia after unrest wracks French island territory in south Pacific

PARIS (AP) — Authorities in the French Pacific island territory of New Caledonia have announced an overnight curfew and banned gatherings after violent unrest erupted in the capital of Noumea. The territory’s top French official said on Tuesday that security forces suffered “numerous injured.” No serious civilian casualties were reported. The French high commissioner’s statement said Noumea was wracked by “high intensity” disturbances overnight Monday to Tuesday. The official said numerous stores and video surveillance equipment were damaged and security forces made 36 arrests. French media reported that the unrest started with protests against voting reforms that French lawmakers are debating in Paris and which would increase the number of people who could cast ballots in New Caledonia.