Opposition groups and others have given calls for demonstrations on Monday — the anniversary of Bahrain's 2002 constitution that brought some pro-democracy reforms such as an elected parliament.

Security forces were deployed in malls and other key spots across Bahrain on Sunday in a clear warning against holding the rallies, but a prominent human rights activist predicted "chaos and bloodshed" if attempts are made to crush the planned demonstrations.

Bahrain's leaders have stepped in with concessions to try to defuse the protests.

Government media monitors began talks Sunday with publishers and others to draft new rules to limit state controls. The official Bahrain News Agency launched a new multimedia service that includes social media applications to seek more outreach.

It is unclear, however, whether activists and rights groups will be satisfied with the proposed changes after facing widespread blocks on websites and blogs.

Last week King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa granted each Bahraini family the equivalent of nearly $2,700 in an apparent bid to calm tensions.

But the demands go deeper than economics. In an open letter to the king, the Bahrain Center for Human Rights called for wide-ranging reforms, including dismantling the security forces, prosecution of state officials for abuses and the release of 450 jailed activists, religious leaders and others.