Now thats a very interesting discussion going on here.
So I will like to share my opinion..
I dont believe there is something wrong with standard of our SSG as compared to other special forces of the world. Rather they are amongst the best. They train very hard and are amongst the most motivated men of our army. Most of the officers are trained from abroad, so you can be sure they are uptodate with latest tactics and techniques. They are very well equipped and in line with modern forces of the world.
But as some of the earlier posts say, SSG's record is not as good as expected due to all above mentioned merits.
So where lies the problem?
The problem, in my opinion, lies with the people who decide about their employment. These people, or commanders, must see the capabilities of such a force and also the results required. Any EMOTIONALISM or AMBITIOUSNESS can be devastating.
As far as Lal Masjid Operation goes, it was clearly a tactical success, by any standard, especially considering the prevailing psycho-political environement. SSG was not dealing with some ENEMY out there but with OWN renegade people. I can say with quite a high degree of confidence that many SSG soldiers were themselves not convinced of launching an all out operation. Some of the men may even had their own far relatives inside. Moreover, the media and most political forces were also not on board. So even the most well trainied and well equipped soldier with a somewhat weak motivation / sense of purpose cannot be expected to perform to his optimum. We must never forget the HUMAN ELEMENT in military operations even if its the SSG. The Lieutenant Colonel who honourably got martyred, probably had gone ahead himself to motivate his men to follow him.
So overall, our SSG is a potent force provided it is correctly employed i.e at the right place and time and FOR THE RIGHT PURPOSE.