The Caledonian Union says the troubles at St Louis are just the tip of an iceberg of problems facing New Caledonia's society.
William Decoire's death angers Kanaks in Europe Photo: Parti Travailliste Kanaky
The president of the pro-independence party, Daniel Goa, issued the statement saying a handful of individuals has disturbed public order with impunity for years and given St Louis an image that isolates it.
This comes as the road leading south near St Louis remains closed after unidentified gunmen shot at travellers and police late on Sunday.
Mr Goa said his party supported any initiative to cope with deliquency yet he noted a number of factors contributing to the crisis.
He cited a school system which is out of sync with the labour market and businesses failing to accommodate the young.
Mr Goa has appealed for calm and help for the security forces to maintain order.
He has also appealed to those who have come from the outside and want the territory to stay French to refrain from provocations.