Police in New Caledonia have arrested a high chief in Mare as part of a probe into the 2020 unrest which led to the evacuation of more than 130 residents to Noumea.
Henri-Dokucas Naisseline and five other people were taken in for questioning after failing to honour earlier summonses.
They were detained on Mare and flown to Noumea for formal questioning where they can be held for up to four days.
Henri-Dokucas Naisseline is suspected of masterminding a violent campaign within the tribe in Roh following the disputed appointment of a new Protestant pastor.
Henri-Dokucas Naisseline Photo: Supplied
The new pastor, who hails from the area, reportedly appointed himself to the role in the parish without getting the official approval of the Protestant Church, triggering sharp divisions within the community.
In early November 2020, homes were burnt down, a tourist site was damaged and cars set on fire, which prompted the deployment of four French riot squads to calm the situation.
Many residents, fearing for their safety, had fled, which led the New Caledonian government to charter two planes to evacuate 138 people to Noumea where they have remained.
The customary Kanak Senate called for solidarity with the people made to flee Mare and arranged for donations of clothing and food.
Henri-Dokucas Naisseline became high chief of the Guahma district in 2007, succeeding his father Nidoish Naisseline, who in the 1990s was the president of the Loyalty Islands Province.