Protesters block New Caledonia roads as French police pour in

A car is set on fire, amid protests against plans to allow more people to take part in local elections in the French-ruled territory, which indigenous Kanak protesters reject, in Noumea, New Caledonia May 18, 2024 in this screengrab from video obtained by Reuters. Video Obtained by Reuters/via REUTERS

SYDNEY/PARIS (Reuters) -A thousand police arrived in New Caledonia from France and streets were relatively calm after a week of unrest, the French High Commission said on Monday, but roads were blocked by protesters and the airport remained shut, stranding tourists.

Blockades of roads would continue, Field Action Co-ordination Cell (CCAT), the activist group organising the protests in the French-ruled Pacific island, said in a statement, urging protesters to use a peaceful approach.