New Delhi, Oct. 21 -- A peculiar French-language phrase, "Bismillah, c'est les tenebres", has become an unlikely rallying cry among students protesting in France. What began as a viral screenshot of a Snapchat conversation has evolved into a protest slogan, appearing on banners, placards and social media posts across parts of Europe.

The phrase, which loosely translates to "In the name of God, it's the darkness", has drawn attention because of its alleged connection to undercover police officers attempting to infiltrate student protest groups. Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has also repeated the expression during a visit to striking students in Seine-Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on October 13.

According to Euronews, the slogan ...