Three websites accused of violating publication laws have been shut down in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

They have raised sectarian issues, which may fuel social tensions, the Information Ministry said.

The crackdown is in line with the Premier's instructions to set up a watchdog committee in charge of combating sectarianism.

"We will co-ordinate with the new panel and monitor any deviation by newspapers, mosques and websites," said under-secretary Hamad Al Mannai.

He also vowed to apply the law accurately to avert any violations, which may compromise Bahrain's social fabric.

The ministry said it was willing to reconsider the ban on websites providing they adhere to the law.-TradeArabia News Service