POLICE in New Caledonia rounded up 11 people today, including an independence leader, for their alleged role in the weeks of unrest against changes to voting law.

Critics of the law said that it would limit the voting rights of indigenous Kanak people, who have been trying to get rid of French rule in the archipelago.

French President Emmanual Macron has suspended the reforms due to the snap parliamentary elections in France.

Police had launched an investigation on May 17 into the unrest which saw armed clashes, looting, fires and other violence in the capital Noumea and the suburbs.

New Caledonian prosecutor Yves Dupas said in a statement that those taken in custody include Christian Tein, a leader of a pro-independence group that French officials alleged played a leading role in the unrest.

Charges facing them include complicity in homicide and attempted homicide, armed robbery, arson and membership of a group created to prepare violent acts.

The revolt prompted France to declare a state of emergency on the archipelago and rush in police reinforcements.

The violence led to nine deaths, including two gendarmes, and widespread destruction of shops, businesses and homes.