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jili k o Hamas official says Gaza ceasefire talks have resumed after weekslong hiatusUSC QB Miller Moss enters transfer portal after losing starting job to Jayden Maiava

NEW YORK — Chi-Chi’s, the Mexican restaurant chain that closed 20 years ago, is staging a comeback. Hormel Foods, current owner of the Chi-Chi’s trademark, announced Tuesday it’s letting Michael McDermott, son of the chain’s co-founder, use the fabled name to reopen restaurants in 2025. Specific locations, menu items and designs weren’t immediately released. Chi-Chi’s, started in Minnesota in 1975 by Marno McDermott and Green Bay Packers player Max McGee, would eventually expand to more than 200 locations. However, the chain closed in 2004 following a hepatitis A outbreak at a Pittsburgh-area location traced to green onions served in its complimentary salsa, sickening about 650 people and resulting in four deaths and several hundred lawsuits. It’s the largest hepatitis A outbreak in United States history and led to nationwide food safety changes. People are also reading... Chi-Chi’s, the Mexican restaurant chain that closed 20 years ago, is staging a comeback. Gene J. Puskar/AP via CNN Newsource Outback Steakhouse bought Chi-Chi’s in a $40 million deal and closed the remaining restaurants. The former rival used the locations to open Outback, Bonefish Grill and other concepts that its parent company owns. Michael McDermott will revive Chi-Chi’s, which was known for its eclectic interior as well as an expansive Tex-Mex menu that served everything from fajitas to fried ice cream. He is an industry veteran who launched Kona Grill and sold it to trendy steakhouse STK’s parent company in 2019. “We have seen the impact our restaurant has had on individuals and families across the country and believe there is a strong opportunity to bring the brand back in a way that resonates with today’s consumer — an updated dining experience with the same great taste and Mexican flavor,” McDermott said in a press release. The Chi-Chi’s branding, which is still used on packaged food and margaritas, will continue to be sold at stores. Hormel has made chips, salsas and other Chi-Chi’s products since the late 1980s. The revival of Chi-Chi’s comes as other nostalgic chains are facing mixed results. Chili’s has repeatedly reported strong earnings this year , while Red Lobster and TGI Fridays both filed for bankruptcy. The seafood chain introduced a new happy hour, among other menu changes , to revive the chain under a new CEO; while Fridays has quietly closed another dozen restaurants in the past few weeks. “While restaurants continue to face challenges like rising food costs, labor shortages, and higher buildout expenses, nostalgia has emerged as a powerful driver of customer visits,” R.J. Hottovy, head of analytical research at Placer.ai, told CNN. “Strategies like reintroducing beloved menu items or offering exclusive collector’s items have resonated with consumers, suggesting these tactics could also work well for reviving these classic brands.” Here’s what the Pizza Hut of the future looks like Kraft Mac & Cheese is trying to maintain its dominance with flavor drops and new shapes Small, luxury foods are great as stocking stuffers or other gifts. Ideas for under $50 The McRib is returning for the holidays. Why isn’t it sold year-round? Satisfy your cravings

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Southern California quarterback Miller Moss is entering the transfer portal after losing the Trojans' starting job last month. Moss made his announcement on social media Monday. Moss started the Trojans ' bowl victory last season and their first nine games this season before coach Lincoln Riley replaced him with Jayden Maiava in early November. “Being a USC Trojan was a lifelong dream of mine,” Moss wrote. “Putting on the cardinal and gold and competing on behalf of my teammates and school is something I will forever take pride in. I poured everything I have into this — body, heart, mind and soul — and am humbled by and proud of what my teammates and I accomplished.” Moss, who was born in Los Angeles and went to high school in the San Fernando Valley, signed with USC before Riley arrived at the school. Moss also stayed with the Trojans after Caleb Williams transferred from Oklahoma to rejoin Riley, and he served as Williams’ backup for two seasons before getting his chance to play with six touchdown passes in last year's Holiday Bowl. Moss completed 64.4% of his passes this season for 2,555 yards with 18 touchdowns and nine interceptions. After a spectacular 378-yard performance to beat LSU in the Trojans' season opener, Moss didn't play poorly as a starter, but he also wasn't a difference-maker while USC stumbled to a 4-5 record. Moss threw seven interceptions in his final five starts before losing the job to Maiava. The Trojans went 1-4 in that stretch under Moss, who plays as a more traditional pocket passer while Maiava has the mobility usually favored for quarterbacks in Riley's spread offense. “Looking towards the future, I'm unwaveringly committed to becoming an even better quarterback and leader, and to achieving this at the next level,” Moss wrote. Moss has already graduated from USC, putting him in the portal as a graduate student. USC (6-6) is headed to a lower-tier bowl game again to finish this season, its third under Riley. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

The fund managers from ( ) have revealed two (ASX: XJO) shares that they're excited about. WAM Leaders — a under Wilson Asset Management — focuses on actively investing in the "highest quality Australian companies". Those investment targets are typically from the ASX 200. At the moment, the WAM Leaders investment team has a significantly smaller position in the sector compared to how the ASX 200 is invested. Positions it's most 'underweight' compared to the index are ( ), ( ) and ( ). However, the WAM Leaders fund managers recently highlighted two ASX 200 shares that they do like. QBE Insurance Group Ltd ( ) Shares in this global commercial insurer have rallied more than 17% since 4 November. The WAM team Trump's win in the US election, which will benefit QBE's future investment income. The investment team said the Republican candidate's win had led to expectations of sustained budget deficits, proposed tariffs and the potential for an "upside surprise in ." Investment income is an important driver of QBE's earnings – it contributes more than 40% of the company's pre-tax profit, according to WAM. In QBE's recent , the ASX 200 insurance share said it was on track to meet its earnings guidance, with its global catastrophe costs currently running below their allowance. WAM concluded with the following: We are positive about the outlook for QBE as we expect to see a further unwinding of the valuation discount and potential capital management activity in the form of a . Sonic Healthcare Ltd ( ) WAM described Sonic Healthcare as a global pathology services provider with specialist operations in pathology, radiology, general practice medicine and corporate medical services. The ASX 200 provided a at its November annual general meeting (AGM), with the company's performance stronger than the market had expected. Sonic Healthcare said revenue growth was 10% in the first four months of FY25 to October 2024, and earnings growth was stronger than that. WAM pointed out that this update was stronger than what competitor ( ) the market last month. The team from WAM Leaders believe that Sonic Healthcare's profit margins could improve from here thanks to both revenue growth and a focus on costs: We believe that margins are at an inflection point for Sonic Healthcare, as stronger revenues are supported by a cost management program which is nearing completion. As current economic data suggests, inflationary pressures on labour and other costs also continue to ease. We are monitoring industry data closely, to ensure these favourable trends for Sonic Healthcare are continuing.OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — Fresh off one of its best showings of the season, the Baltimore defense now has another problem to worry about. Roquan Smith missed practice again Friday because of a hamstring injury. Although the Ravens didn't officially rule him or anyone else out — they don't play until Monday night — the All-Pro linebacker's status seems dicey. “Definitely it will be a challenge if Roquan can’t go,” defensive coordinator Zach Orr said. “We’re holding out hope and everything like that. I think it’ll just be by committee. Not one person is going to replace Roquan. Roquan’s an every-down linebacker.” Although the Ravens lost 18-16 last weekend, Baltimore didn't allow a touchdown. That was an encouraging sign for a team that ranks 26th in the league in total defense. Baltimore is on the road Monday against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Ravens appear to have dodged one potential nightmare. Star safety Kyle Hamilton injured an ankle against Cincinnati on Nov. 7, but he was able to play almost every defensive snap the following week against Pittsburgh. But Smith was injured in that game and didn't practice Thursday or Friday. Linebacker Malik Harrison had a season high in tackles last weekend and figures to have a significant role if Smith can't go. “We tell these guys, ‘You’re one play away to going in there — you never know, so you got to stay ready.’ Malik — he was ready,” Orr said. “I thought he went in there and did a good job, especially after the first series, he settled down. That’s what we expect from him.” It's hard to tell whether last week can be a significant turning point for Baltimore's defense. The Ravens allowed only 10 points in a dominant win over Buffalo in Week 4, then yielded 38 against Cincinnati the following game. After allowing 10 against Denver, the Ravens were picked apart by the Bengals again a few days later. So they still haven't shown they can play a good game defensively and then build on it. “I think it’s easier said than done. It’s something that we kind of got caught up saying against Buffalo and then coming up the next week and not doing," Hamilton said. "We’re aware of it now and know that we played a good game, but I think we can get a lot better, and I think that’s kind of the mindset everybody on defense has right now.” Hamilton's ability to make a difference all over the field is part of what makes him valuable, but positioning him deep is one way the Ravens can try to guard against big passing plays. Pittsburgh's Russell Wilson threw for only 205 yards against Baltimore. That's after Joe Burrow passed for 428 and four touchdowns in the Ravens' previous game. “I’ve always seen myself as a safety. A versatile one, but at the end of the day, I think I play safety,” Hamilton said. “If I’m asked to go play safety, I feel like that’s not an issue for me to play safety if I’m a safety.” NOTES: In addition to Smith, WR Rashod Bateman (knee), DT Travis Jones (ankle), S Sanoussi Kane (ankle) C Tyler Linderbaum (back) and CB Arthur Maulet (calf) missed practice Friday. WR Nelson Agholor (illness) returned to full participation after missing Thursday's practice. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLMiddle East latest: Israel agrees to a ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon

CRTC opens consultation on whether Big 3 telecoms can sell wholesale fibre internet

Nikolaj Ehlers has moved past the day-to-day stage, but by all accounts, the Winnipeg Jets high-scoring winger isn’t going to be out long term. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * Nikolaj Ehlers has moved past the day-to-day stage, but by all accounts, the Winnipeg Jets high-scoring winger isn’t going to be out long term. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? Nikolaj Ehlers has moved past the day-to-day stage, but by all accounts, the Winnipeg Jets high-scoring winger isn’t going to be out long term. The Danish forward suffered a lower-body injury in the second period of Friday’s game with the Vegas Golden Knights after a collision with Pavel Dorofeyev where he appeared to injure his left leg. Ehlers was placed on injured reserve Tuesday morning, retroactive to Nov. 29, though he’s likely to be out until at least the Jets return from the upcoming two-game road swing with games against the Buffalo Sabres and Chicago Blackhawks — though the timeline is fluid. Bailey Hillesheim / The Associated Press files Jets centre Brad Lambert (left) had an assist in his NHL regular-season debut last spring. “A little bit worse than at first (suspected), but we’ll just see,” Jets head coach Scott Arniel said before his team took on the St. Louis Blues. “He’ll probably be out a week to 10 days. But hopefully less than that. We’ll just kind of monitor him every day.” Ehlers, who is a pending unrestricted free agent on July 1, is off to one of the strongest starts of his career and went into Tuesday’s action with nine goals and 25 points in 24 games, which leaves him third in team scoring. He’s provided a boost to the Jets’ top power-play unit, chipping in three goals and eight points with a man-advantage that has been the best in the NHL until recently, when it slipped to second behind the New Jersey Devils. The loss of Ehlers opened the door for the Jets to recall forward Brad Lambert from the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League and he jumped into the lineup immediately, starting the game on a line with Gabe Vilardi and Cole Perfetti. “Obviously it’s nice to have one game under your belt,” said Lambert, who had an assist and two shots on goal in his NHL debut in just under 14 minutes of ice time last April against the Vancouver Canucks. “When I got the call, I was just excited as I was coming into my first game last year. Super pumped and excited.” Lambert had a steady training camp, but didn’t do enough to steal a job on the NHL roster, but he went down to the minors and got off to a steady start — recording three goals and 11 points in 16 games with the Moose. “Just learning every day, getting better every day,” said Lambert, who turns 21 on Dec. 19. “I think just being around the guys has helped a lot, just seeing how they do things. You can take a lot from that. Just maturing and developing every day. Trying to get better on and off the ice.” No matter how long Ehlers is sidelined, this is a massive opportunity for Lambert to take the next step in his development. “Really skilled guy,” said Vilardi, noting he skated with Lambert during his NHL debut in Game 82 last season against the Vancouver Canucks. “Really fast. He thinks the game at an elite level, and hopefully we can get some chemistry going.” Lambert was brought into the lineup at his natural position of centre, a spot he should be able to best utilize his speed and explosiveness. “It’s awesome, that’s where I’ve been playing all year. So that’s where I’m comfortable,” said Lambert, who was chosen 30th overall by the Jets in the 2022 NHL Draft. “Obviously this team has been great on the defensive side. Make sure I’m responsible back in my own end, and just with the puck try to play my game, chip in and try to create.” The Moose are off to a 6-11 start this season, though Lambert continues to make strides in his overall game. “We’re still trying to find that consistency. It’s been kind of an up and down start. I’ve had some good games, some not so good games,” said Lambert. “I feel strong, I feel fast, I’m feeling good in the corners. The puck battles, obviously second year pro here in North America, so a little more comfortable.” Arniel was expecting Lambert to feel some nerves in his second NHL game, though he’s noticed ample growth in the Finnish forward’s game since his first training camp in the fall of 2022. “Get him in and get him a chance to see what he can do,” said Arniel. “It’s (about) him coming up and doing what he needs to do best. He’s a skater, he’s got great offensive instincts. There’s stuff we’ll go over about how we play without the puck, but this is the opportunity. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. “He got a sniff last year at the end of the year. This is an opportunity for him again to go out and show the organization, his teammates, that he can help us.” Speaking of injuries, Arniel doesn’t have an update on the timeline for defenceman Dylan Samberg, who missed his fourth consecutive game on Tuesday with a broken foot. “The swelling’s gone down quite a bit. But he has a broken bone. No idea (on the timeline), that just has to heal,” said Arniel. “Usually on a broken bone you’ll get to four weeks and then we’ll kind of take it from there.” ken.wiebe@freepress.mb.ca X and BlueSky: @WiebesWorld Ken Wiebe is a sports reporter for the , with an emphasis on the Winnipeg Jets. He has covered hockey and provided analysis in this market since 2000 for the , , Sportsnet.ca and TSN. Ken was a summer intern at the in 1999 and returned to the in a full-time capacity in September of 2023. . Every piece of reporting Ken produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the ‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about , and . Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider . Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support. Ken Wiebe is a sports reporter for the , with an emphasis on the Winnipeg Jets. He has covered hockey and provided analysis in this market since 2000 for the , , Sportsnet.ca and TSN. Ken was a summer intern at the in 1999 and returned to the in a full-time capacity in September of 2023. . Every piece of reporting Ken produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the ‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about , and . Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider . Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support. Advertisement AdvertisementNoneLOS ANGELES – Southern California quarterback Miller Moss is entering the transfer portal after losing the Trojans' starting job last month. Moss made his announcement on social media Monday. Recommended Videos Moss started the Trojans ' bowl victory last season and their first nine games this season before coach Lincoln Riley replaced him with Jayden Maiava in early November. “Being a USC Trojan was a lifelong dream of mine,” Moss wrote. “Putting on the cardinal and gold and competing on behalf of my teammates and school is something I will forever take pride in. I poured everything I have into this — body, heart, mind and soul — and am humbled by and proud of what my teammates and I accomplished.” Moss, who was born in Los Angeles and went to high school in the San Fernando Valley, signed with USC before Riley arrived at the school. Moss also stayed with the Trojans after Caleb Williams transferred from Oklahoma to rejoin Riley, and he served as Williams’ backup for two seasons before getting his chance to play with six touchdown passes in last year's Holiday Bowl. Moss completed 64.4% of his passes this season for 2,555 yards with 18 touchdowns and nine interceptions. After a spectacular 378-yard performance to beat LSU in the Trojans' season opener, Moss didn't play poorly as a starter, but he also wasn't a difference-maker while USC stumbled to a 4-5 record. Moss threw seven interceptions in his final five starts before losing the job to Maiava. The Trojans went 1-4 in that stretch under Moss, who plays as a more traditional pocket passer while Maiava has the mobility usually favored for quarterbacks in Riley's spread offense. “Looking towards the future, I'm unwaveringly committed to becoming an even better quarterback and leader, and to achieving this at the next level,” Moss wrote. Moss has already graduated from USC, putting him in the portal as a graduate student. USC (6-6) is headed to a lower-tier bowl game again to finish this season, its third under Riley. ___ AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballNone

Capitolis Announces New Strategic Investments from Citi, Morgan Stanley, State Street and UBS

Wolves' Matheus Cunha transfer price sky rockets as suitors learn £25m realityThe Ravens looked better defensively last week, but now Roquan Smith's injury is a concernStanford takes aim at Andrej Stojakovic, Cal

WALTHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 6, 2024-- Vicarious Surgical Inc. (“Vicarious Surgical” or the “Company”) (NYSE: RBOT, RBOT WS), a next-generation robotics technology company seeking to improve lives by transforming robotic surgery, today announced the pending departure of William Kelly, its Chief Financial Officer (CFO), to pursue other career opportunities, after nearly four years of dedicated service with the Company. Mr. Kelly has served as Vicarious Surgical’s CFO since January 2021. He will assist the Company to ensure minimal disruption and a successful transition of responsibilities prior to his departure, which is slated for January 2, 2025. “On behalf of the Company and Board, I want to extend my sincerest gratitude to Bill for his significant contribution over the last few years,” said Adam Sachs, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer. “Bill has been an incredible asset to Vicarious Surgical, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.” Mr. Kelly added “My tenure at Vicarious Surgical has been a period of significant progress and accomplishment, both for the Company and for me personally. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I have been afforded and the collaborative spirit of the entire team. I depart with immense pride in our collective achievements and unwavering confidence in the Company's continued success under its strong leadership.” The Company has initiated a CFO succession process and will provide updates as appropriate. About Vicarious Surgical Founded in 2014, Vicarious Surgical is a next generation robotics company, developing a unique disruptive technology with the multiple goals of substantially increasing the efficiency of surgical procedures, improving patient outcomes, and reducing healthcare costs. The Company’s novel surgical approach uses proprietary human-like surgical robots to virtually transport surgeons inside the patient to perform minimally invasive surgery. The Company is led by an experienced team of technologists, medical device professionals and physicians, and is backed by technology luminaries including Bill Gates, Vinod Khosla’s Khosla Ventures, Innovation Endeavors, Jerry Yang’s AME Cloud Ventures, Sun Hung Kai & Co. Ltd and Philip Liang’s E15 VC. The Company is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. Learn more at www.vicarioussurgical.com . Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The company’s actual results may differ from its expectations, estimates, and projections and, consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained herein, are forward-looking statements that reflect the current beliefs and expectations of management. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Most of these factors are outside Vicarious Surgical’s control and are difficult to predict. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to: the ability to maintain the listing of Vicarious Surgical’s Class A common stock on the New York Stock Exchange; the approval, commercialization and adoption of Vicarious Surgical’s initial product candidates and the success of its single-port surgical robot, called the Vicarious Surgical System, and any of its future product candidates and service offerings; changes in applicable laws or regulations; the ability of Vicarious Surgical to raise financing in the future; the success, cost and timing of Vicarious Surgical’s product and service development activities; the potential attributes and benefits of Vicarious Surgical’s product candidates and services; Vicarious Surgical’s ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approval for the Vicarious Surgical System, and any related restrictions and limitations of any approved product; the size and duration of human clinical trials for the Vicarious Surgical System; Vicarious Surgical’s ability to identify, in-license or acquire additional technology; Vicarious Surgical’s ability to maintain its existing license, manufacture, supply and distribution agreements; Vicarious Surgical’s ability to compete with other companies currently marketing or engaged in the development of products and services that Vicarious Surgical is currently marketing or developing; the size and growth potential of the markets for Vicarious Surgical’s product candidates and services, and its ability to serve those markets, either alone or in partnership with others; the pricing of Vicarious Surgical’s product candidates and services and reimbursement for medical procedures conducted using its product candidates and services; the company’s estimates regarding expenses, revenue, capital requirements and needs for additional financing; Vicarious Surgical’s financial performance; economic downturns, political and market conditions and their potential to adversely affect Vicarious Surgical’s business, financial condition and results of operations; Vicarious Surgical’s intellectual property rights and its ability to protect or enforce those rights, and the impact on its business, results and financial condition if it is unsuccessful in doing so; and other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in Vicarious Surgical’s filings with the SEC. Vicarious Surgical cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. The company cautions readers not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Vicarious Surgical does not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in its expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241206242926/en/ CONTACT: Investors Kaitlyn Brosco Vicarious Surgical Kbrosco@vicarioussurgical.com Media Inquiries media@vicarioussurgical.com KEYWORD: MASSACHUSETTS UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: MEDICAL SUPPLIES TECHNOLOGY OTHER HEALTH HEALTH ROBOTICS HEALTH TECHNOLOGY OTHER TECHNOLOGY MEDICAL DEVICES HOSPITALS SURGERY HARDWARE SOURCE: Vicarious Surgical Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/06/2024 04:05 PM/DISC: 12/06/2024 04:05 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241206242926/enAP Sports SummaryBrief at 5:23 p.m. EST

New Delhi: Ahead of the farmers’ march to Delhi scheduled for Friday, security has been tightened at the Shambhu border on NH-44, with both Haryana and Punjab police deploying significant resources to manage the swelling crowds of protesters. Over 100 farmers are preparing to march towards Delhi on Friday to press for their demands. On Thursday, Haryana police reinforced the barricades near the border, adding three new layers, including a wire mesh and movable traffic barriers, to the already extensive seven-layer setup featuring walls, iron nails, and barbed wire. A tent was also erected as part of the preparations. Multiple unions, including Bharatiya Kisan Union-Ekta and others from Haryana, are rallying under the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) banners to push their demands during the march. The protest site at the Shambhu border continues to swell with farmers arriving from Punjab districts like Taran Taran, Amritsar, Ferozepur, Bathinda, Sangrur, and Patiala, as well as Haryana districts such as Ambala and Sirsa. Dialogue is the only way forward to resolve the issues of farmers, who should hold talks with Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Minister of State for Rural Development Kamlesh Paswan said on Thursday, as he extended an olive branch to the farmers protesting on the Punjab-Haryana border. “No other government has done as much for farmers as the Modi government. We have helped them in every sector,” Paswan told reporters at a press conference here. “I would urge them (farmers) that our Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is very accessible, anyone who wants to discuss some issue, there can be no better place for discussion,” he said. Protests that disturb other people will not help, Paswan said, adding that the farmers’ issues can only be “resolved through talks”. Meanwhile, addressing a press conference on the Shambhu border, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said that farmers will move towards Delhi. Farmers, gathered under the banner of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, had earlier announced a foot march to the national capital. They have several demands, including seeking a legal guarantee for the minimum support price of crops. A ‘jatha’ (group) of 101 farmers will embark on a foot march to Delhi at 1 p.m. on Friday from the Shambhu border protest site, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said. However, the Ambala district administration has issued an order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), restricting any unlawful assembly of five or more persons in the district. According to the order issued by the Deputy Commissioner, taking out any procession on foot, vehicles, or other modes has been prohibited till further orders. The police in Ambala also sounded an alert on Thursday over the farmers’ plan to march to Delhi, and sent senior officers to the border to assess the security situation there. Central paramilitary forces have also been deployed on the Haryana side of the border along with multi-layer barricading. The Ambala district administration on Wednesday asked the farmers to reconsider their march and contemplate any action only after obtaining permission from Delhi Police. Meanwhile, addressing a press conference at the Shambhu border on Thursday, Pandher said, “The jatha will march towards Delhi (on Friday). What the government will do is for them to decide. We will begin our march towards Delhi at 1 p.m. from the Shambhu border.” He also said if the government stops them from carrying out their march, it will be a “moral victory” for the farmers. “Their leaders at the Centre and in states have been regularly saying that if the farmers do not bring tractor-trolleys, there should be no objection. So if we go to Delhi on foot, there should be no reason to stop the farmers,” he added. The farmers gathered under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha earlier announced a foot march to the national capital seeking legal guarantee for minimum support price of crops, among several other demands. They have been camping at Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 after their march to Delhi was stopped by security forces. Invoking Section 163 of the BNSS, the Ambala deputy commissioner-cum-district magistrate in an order dated November 30 prohibited unlawful assembly of five or more persons, and taking out any procession on foot, vehicles or through any other mode. “It is apprehended that a large number of protesters are likely to come from Punjab and Haryana and assemble at Shambu border to move towards Delhi. Hence, appropriate steps need to be taken at the border points and within the district, including issuance of prohibitory orders under Section 163 of BNSS so as not to allow movement of any such person without prior permission,” the order said. “Any individual or group on foot or vehicles which can be used to damage public/private property and/or to confront law enforcement agencies, thereby creating hindrance in maintaining peace and public order, has been prohibited,” it added. The order will not apply to police and other public servants on duty for maintaining law and order, it added. “This order shall come into force from November 30, 2024, and continue till further order,” it said. “There are inputs that the agitators may gherao Parliament or camp permanently on the national highways leading to the national capital territory,” the order said, adding that the agitators have not obtained any permission under Section 69 of the Haryana Police Act. Talking to reporters in Ambala on Thursday, Superintendent of Police Surinder Singh Bhoria appealed to all the farmers to maintain peace and obtain permission to march to Delhi. “I want to assure all that the district police have made adequate arrangements to maintain law and order,” he said. When told that farmer leaders have said that 101 of them will march to Delhi in a peaceful manner, Bhoria said, “As I have told you, it is our collective responsibility to follow the law. Whatever may be the provisions of law, they should be followed.” Pandher, on his part, told reporters, “This does not look like a Punjab-Haryana border, but an international territory. If they (authorities) have their way, they will not even allow a bird to cross the border. They are treating us like we are enemies from some other country, whereas we are citizens of this land who want to peacefully march to the national capital to press our demands.” “The first jatha which will leave from Shambhu border has been named ‘Marjeevda Jatha’. It will consist of 101 farmers who will march to Delhi on foot from the Shambhu border,” Pandher said. Referring to a recent meeting between a farmers’ delegation and Ambala SP, Pandher said, “A proposal for talks came from the government side to which we said the farmers are open to a dialogue only if the proposal comes from either the Centre or the Chief Minister’s office in Haryana or Punjab.” Replying to a query, Pandher said after the first ‘jatha’, other ‘jathas’ will also move towards the national capital in subsequent days. To another question, he said if the Haryana government uses force to stop the first ‘jatha’ of 101 farmers from marching towards Delhi, “it will only expose the government”. “If they have deployed Central forces, drones or are testing water cannons, it shows they intend to stop us,” he added. “Tomorrow Guru Teg Bahadur Ji’s martyrdom day will be observed at both Shambhu and Khanauri border points. The jatha will be dedicated to the martyrdom of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji,” Pandher said. Earlier on Thursday, Punjab DIG (Patiala Range) Mandeep Singh Sidhu and SSP (Patiala) Nanak Singh met Pandher and Surjit Singh Phul at the Shambhu border. Sidhu said the farmers have assured the police that they will maintain peace and not involve tractor-trolleys in the march. The farmer leaders had earlier announced that the first ‘jatha’ of farmers would be led by Satnam Singh Pannu, Surinder Sinhgh Chautala, Surjit Singh Phul, and Baljinder Singh. Meanwhile, SKM leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal continued his fast-unto-death at the Khanauri border point on Thursday. Besides MSP, the farmers are also demanding farm debt waiver, pension for farmers and farm labourers, no hike in electricity tariff, withdrawal of police cases (against farmers), and “justice” for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence. Reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and compensation to the families of farmers who died during the previous agitation in 2020-21 are also part of their demands.Appointment of Evelyn Angelle to Bird's Board of Directors