French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday announced the suspension of controversial voting reforms in New Caledonia following deadly unrest in the French Pacific territory.

These reforms would change voting rights, but indigenous Kanak people fear they will be further marginalised. The issue has sparked the worst violence on the archipelago in decades.

Violence erupted in response to the Macron government’s attempts to amend the French constitution and change voting lists in New Caledonia on May 13. France declared a state of emergency in its Pacific region on May 15 and sent hundreds of military troops to help police suppress the uprising, which included shootings, clashes, looting and arson.

Both sides of New Caledonia’s bitter divisions – indigenous Kanaks who want independence and those loyal to France – erected barricades to rebel against authorities or defend their homes and property. Pro-independence protesters built barricades from burned-out vehicles and other debris, turning parts of the capital, Noumea, into a no-go zone.

“I have decided to suspend the constitutional bill relating to New Caledonia,” Macron said. “We cannot allow ambiguity during this period. It must be suspended in order to give full force to negotiations on the ground and to restore order.”

The French Justice Ministry on Wednesday confirmed the death on June 11 of a 34-year-old man who was injured during a confrontation with police on May 29. An autopsy has been ordered and an investigation into the use of force by police is ongoing.

Louis Mapu, the president of the New Caledonia government, expressed his condolences and appealed for calm. “I urge the immediate removal of the barricades and the return of calm,” Mapu said.

The French government has extended the night-time curfew across the archipelago until June 17.