Conflicts are not caused only by differences in interests, resources, or power; they are also shaped by the way individuals and groups perceive situations and by the values they hold. In peace and conflict management, perception refers to the way people interpret events, actions, and intentions, while values are the deeply held beliefs and principles that guide attitudes and behaviour. These psychological and cultural factors often determine whether disagreements remain manageable or escalate into destructive conflicts. Perception plays a significant role in intensifying conflicts because people do not respond to reality alone; they respond to their interpretation of reality. Different individuals may view the same event in entirely different ways depending on their experiences, beliefs, emotions, and social background. Misperceptions, misunderstandings, and incorrect assumptions can create distrust and hostility. For example, a defensive action taken by one group may be perceived as an aggressive move by another, leading to fear and retaliation. Such perception gaps often create a cycle of suspicion that becomes difficult to break. Stereotypes and prejudices further distort perceptions. People may develop negative opinions about other communities based on historical experiences, rumours, or media portrayals. These preconceived ideas influence behaviour and make individuals interpret every action of the opposing group negatively. As a result, communication becomes ineffective, and peaceful solutions are ignored. In many ethnic and religious conflicts, stereotypes have transformed minor disagreements into prolonged violence. Selective perception